Vogeljong 1896 - 1931

This is Emilius Dehé’s “Vogeljong,” a woodcut on paper. Looking at it, I’m reminded that artmaking is a process, a conversation between the artist and the material. Here, the stark contrast of black ink on paper creates a compelling image. The texture is palpable, the lines of the wood grain adding depth to the little bird’s form. The artist's process is laid bare; you can almost feel the pressure of the tool carving away at the woodblock. Look closely at the area around the eye, the cuts are precise. It gives the bird such a curious expression, like it’s contemplating something profound. It reminds me of the work of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, there's a similar intensity in the mark-making. But Dehé brings a tenderness, a gentleness, to the subject. Art isn't about fixed meanings; it’s about embracing ambiguity, inviting viewers to bring their own experiences to the table.