Portret van Anne Zernike 1915 - 1916

Curator: This is Jan Mankes' "Portret van Anne Zernike," a woodcut dating from between 1915 and 1916. Editor: It’s striking how graphic it is! The stark contrast between the black and white, and the sharp, carved lines create this very direct and uncompromising feeling. Curator: The medium certainly reinforces the message. Woodcuts, particularly those from the Modernist era, were often employed to express a rawness and immediacy—a breaking away from the traditions of fine art. But within that, look how Mankes captures Zernike. Her gaze seems fixed, thoughtful. Editor: Yes, the gaze is captivating, especially when considering the labor and material process to bring the image into being. You see that each mark must have been meticulously planned, physically hewn away, almost forcing us to acknowledge the effort required to arrive at this seemingly simple portrait. It suggests a democratizing gesture, making portraiture available through relatively affordable means. Curator: I agree. This is a study in conveying character, almost like an etching into our collective consciousness, this idea of this powerful woman as seen through Mankes' eyes. There's a certain strength—and a vulnerability in those eyes too, perhaps—encoded into her very likeness, that cuts through the materials to leave us with something that almost feels like an iconic rendering. Editor: I hadn't considered the symbolism within that. It leads to another point that is raised through material constraints. To reproduce her image, to share her likeness—multiple impressions can be struck. This reinforces Zernike as an important social actor; to be seen in multiples! Curator: Exactly! Seeing this print, understanding its methods and intent, enriches our understanding of both the sitter, and the context within which their interaction unfolded. Editor: I think I am beginning to agree! The piece highlights how closely form and material interact; they are mutually informing towards meaning. Curator: I agree, I was so caught up with reading the subject, but considering the material makes me understand the work on a deeper level.