Deirdre en de zonen van Usnach terugkerend naar Ierland 1915

Bernard Essers created this woodcut, titled 'Deirdre and the Sons of Usnach Returning to Ireland,' in 1915. The image depicts a scene from Irish mythology, tapping into a cultural fascination with ancient legends during the early 20th century. Essers, working in the Netherlands, employs a stark, graphic style reminiscent of German Expressionism, a movement known for its socially critical and emotionally charged imagery. The woodcut medium itself, with its rough, unrefined quality, lends a primitive, almost archaic feel to the scene. This aesthetic choice aligns with the broader cultural interest in folklore and national identity that was prevalent in many European countries at the time. The choice of subject matter reflects a yearning for a romanticized past, a desire to connect with a pre-industrial, pre-modern sense of belonging. To fully understand Essers' work, we might explore the social and political context of the Netherlands during World War I, looking at the ways in which artists responded to the anxieties and uncertainties of their time. Art historical research helps us recognize the image’s cultural and institutional setting.