Ontwerpen voor boekruggen voor: Louis Couperus, Over lichtende drempels, 1903, en De boeken der kleine zielen, 1901-1903 c. 1901 - 1903

These are the designs for book spines, made around 1903 by Jules De Praetere, most likely with ink on paper. The designs present a striking use of vertical space and contrasting colours. The black lines, bold and clear, create a rhythm that guides the eye upwards. De Praetere’s book spine designs are steeped in the visual language of early modernism. The patterns suggest a symbolic, almost hieroglyphic language, inviting viewers to decode their meanings. Notice how the shapes and letters alternate between positive and negative space, challenging our perception. This play with figure and ground destabilizes conventional reading habits. The ordered repetition of these patterns speaks to an interest in structure and modularity, values that were becoming increasingly important in design at the time. These designs are not just decorative; they are experiments in visual communication, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards abstraction and symbolic representation.