Death c. 1950s

Harold Persico Paris made this print, called Death, and it's all about the push and pull of black ink on white paper. I imagine Paris wrestling with the woodblock, carving away to reveal this shrouded figure. See how the lines aren't smooth or perfect? They're rough, urgent, like he's in a hurry to get something out. It's emotional, right? The figure looks trapped, almost mummified, but with this longing gaze...maybe yearning for something beyond. The word 'MORT' is printed right there on the chest. It reminds me of the work of other artists who aren’t afraid to get dark and heavy. The act of carving, scraping, and pressing ink onto paper—it's physical, like a dance between the artist and the material. It's about life and death, and it is a poignant reminder of the conversations artists have across time.