Sprinkhaan 1918

Julie de Graag created this striking woodcut, Sprinkhaan, around 1918. Note how the composition, dominated by a monochromatic palette, evokes a sense of serene observation, capturing the essence of the natural world in a highly stylized form. De Graag’s work draws on simplified forms and rhythmic patterns. Here, the grasshopper and surrounding vegetation are reduced to their most essential lines, emphasizing shape and structure. The interplay between positive and negative space enhances the visual tension, creating a dynamic balance. De Graag destabilizes traditional representation. The print encourages us to reflect on how we perceive and categorize the natural world through art. This piece is not just a depiction of a grasshopper, but an exploration of the underlying forms and patterns. De Graag invites us to engage with the semiotic system of signs that shape our understanding.