Early Morning 1939

Will Barnet made this black and white woodcut, Early Morning, in what looks like a simple room with just the basics. Can you imagine him working on the block, carving away at the wood, figuring out the balance between light and shadow? There’s a lone figure in bed, maybe with a cat, and the room feels quiet, like the moment before the day really starts. It’s interesting how Barnet uses these stark contrasts to suggest the softness of the bedding and the quiet stillness of the morning. It reminds me of the early prints of someone like Edvard Munch, where the bold lines and simple shapes convey so much emotion. In his wider practice, Barnet went through many styles, but this print captures something timeless about the quiet moments we all share. It's like he's inviting us to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of an early morning.