Letter "U" Possibly 1953

Dick van Luijn, who lived from 1896 to 1996, created this print of the letter "U". Van Luijn’s compositions often invite us into a world where graphic design meets the intimate scale of personal expression. In this print, we see a black and white image of a letter that morphs into a stylized waterscape and city. Swans glide through the water, fish swim below, and a single bird is perched atop the letter, while towers reach into the sky. Van Luijn grew up at a time of immense change and conflict across Europe. He survived two world wars, witnessing the rise of industrialization, and the redrawing of borders. His ability to distill complex realities into simplified forms speaks to a deep understanding of humanity’s place within larger historical currents. The image invites us to contemplate our own connections to both the natural and built environments.