Man by a Lantern 1926

Solomon Borisovich Judovin made this linocut, "Man by a Lantern", in 1926. It's all about the process. Look at how Judovin used simple black and white lines to create depth and texture. See the radiating lines of light around the lantern and how they contrast with the heavy, dark lines that make up the man's beard and clothing? It's like he's carving out the image, revealing it from the darkness. I'm drawn to the way the lantern's light illuminates the man's face, highlighting the wrinkles and the weariness in his eyes. There's a sense of intimacy, of being invited into this quiet, solitary moment. This use of light and shadow reminds me of Kathe Kollwitz, who was also a master of the woodcut. Both Judovin and Kollwitz share a deep empathy for the human condition. They understood that art is an ongoing conversation across time.