Arend 1891 - 1931

This is ‘Arend,’ a print by Huib Luns, held here at the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the sharp contrasts define the majestic eagle, perched between a dark, textured foreground and a lighter sky. The composition's success lies in its dynamic interplay of black and white. Luns' work, while representational, leans into the symbolic power of the eagle. This image, constructed through careful arrangement of contrasting tones and linear patterns, evokes the structuralist idea that underlying systems shape our understanding. Here, the eagle is not just a bird, but a signifier of authority and freedom, deeply embedded in cultural codes. Luns uses the formal elements of his print – the stark contrast, the defined lines – to challenge fixed meanings, inviting a reconsideration of power and representation. The texture almost feels like its own language.