Struikgewas met hagedis en nachtvlinder 1892 - 1951

Janus de Winter made this print called 'Struikgewas met hagedis en nachtvlinder', or 'Thicket with lizard and moth' with ink on paper. The contrast is amazing, isn't it? I can imagine the artist really digging into the surface of that block, carving away at the negative space to reveal these forms emerging from the dark. Just look at the bush, how it weaves and intertwines. There's a real sense of depth, even with just the two tones. The foliage fills the picture plane. And that lizard, camouflaged, almost hidden among the leaves. You can feel the artist's connection to nature here, a kind of quiet observation and respect. I can imagine them carefully documenting the world around them, turning tiny moments into a permanent artwork. It reminds me of the work of other artists who try to create a space of observation. I am thinking of Philip Guston. Janus de Winter is in great company!