Ex libris van onbekend 1886 - 1946

This bookplate, its maker unknown, presents us with an interesting puzzle in monochrome. You can see the mark-making process at play in the density of the ink; the anonymous artist seems to relish the act of pressing the design onto the page, embracing the imperfections of transfer. Look at the tiny lion, a beast of many parts, caught mid-stride, its hybrid body a collection of carefully placed lines and solid black shapes. See how the weight of the ink creates subtle textures, from the soft shadows around the lion's mane to the sharp edges of the lettering. The contrast between the solid forms and delicate lines animates the work. The tension between the solid shapes and the white space creates a dynamic composition within the tiny circle. This embrace of imperfection reminds me of the woodcuts of early Expressionists, or even some details of Dürer, who weren’t afraid to leave the mark of the tool visible in the final print. Art is not always about flawless execution, but about capturing a moment, an idea, a feeling in the most honest way possible.