Compositie met vierkanten en driehoeken 1906 - 1945

This sketch by Reijer Stolk presents us with elemental geometric forms: squares and triangles, shapes that resonate deeply within the human psyche. These aren't merely exercises in form, but rather echoes of ancient symbolic languages. Consider the square, a symbol of stability and the earthly realm, often linked to notions of order and containment. The triangle, meanwhile, points upwards, aspiring towards the heavens, representing concepts such as aspiration, wisdom, and the divine. These shapes recur throughout history, from the pyramids of Giza to the geometric patterns in Renaissance art. The human mind seems drawn to these elemental shapes, perhaps because they tap into fundamental aspects of human perception and understanding. The arrangement of these forms creates a visual tension, an emotional and psychological effect that engages us on a subconscious level. The angles create a sense of instability, contrasting with the grounded nature of the squares. The artist, perhaps unconsciously, has channeled these collective memories, producing a composition that continues to fascinate.