Vlakken met schelpen, kreeften, varens en een vogel before 1897

This print, titled "Vlakken met schelpen, kreeften, varens en een vogel," was created by an anonymous artist, and its precise date remains unknown. The image is structured around contrasting geometric forms. Note how an upper band of shells and sea creatures is set against a greyed-out flat plane, and a semi-circular lower register contains a vignette of flora and fauna rendered in shades of grey. These sections divide the composition, creating a layered effect which is further emphasized by an inner circle around a perched bird and foliage. The image is organized through a pattern that uses natural forms as structural elements, challenging the viewer's perception of space and depth. This destabilization of traditional artistic conventions invites us to reconsider how natural forms can be reorganized into complex, structured designs. Ultimately, the anonymous artist invites ongoing interpretation by emphasizing structure and form, and prompting us to look beyond the surface to explore its underlying codes.