Ontwerp voor een boekrug voor: Max Glass, Het mysterie van den hartstocht (Das mysterium der Leidenschaft), 1923 before 1923

Henri Verstijnen created this book spine design for Max Glass's novel "The Mystery of Passion" in 1923, employing gouache on paper. This simple yet striking design offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the Netherlands during the interwar period. The book, originally written in German, targets a readership interested in exploring intense emotional experiences, reflecting a broader societal interest in psychology and human relationships following the upheaval of World War One. The choice of L.J. Veen as the publisher is significant. Veen was known for promoting modern literature and translated works, aligning itself with progressive cultural movements of the time. The minimalist design, focusing on typography and color, mirrors the artistic trends of the era, such as De Stijl, which sought simplicity and functionality in art and design. Further research into the publishing house's archives and Verstijnen's other designs would shed more light on the cultural and institutional forces that shaped this artwork.