Sint Franciscus van Assisi, staand in het water, omringd door dieren 1926

This woodcut by Dutch artist Reijer Stolk (1896-1945) depicts Saint Francis of Assisi standing in water, surrounded by animals. The black and white image is filled with intricate details, showcasing various creatures, including birds, fish, insects, and a deer, all drawn in a simplified, almost cartoonish style. Created in 1926, the work is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and captures the saint’s deep connection with nature, a central theme in his life and teachings. The image is an example of woodcut printmaking, a technique in which an artist uses a carved wooden block to create an image, and its bold lines and simplistic shapes contribute to its symbolic and spiritual aura.