Uitgeversvignet van J.M. Bredée 1905

This little woodcut, Uitgeversvignet van J.M. Bredée, was made by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries. The artist is using black ink to create a vignette of a man climbing a mountain, with the words "Immer Moedig Bergopwaarts", or "Always Courageous Upwards" underneath. The thick and thin lines remind me of Art Nouveau posters and woodblock prints. But it’s not just about appearances; the medium itself – the starkness of black ink on paper – evokes a powerful sense of contrast. Look at how the mountain is formed from jagged strokes, giving it a tactile presence. The figure is caught mid-climb, his hand reaching up to guide his way. De Vries is not creating a perfect illustration, rather the bold lines and blocks of shadow offer an insight into the physical act of making. We are reminded that art-making is an act of 'pushing on', of always working upwards.