Sterrenbeeld leeuw 1880 - 1946

Henri van der Stok created this print, *Sterrenbeeld leeuw,* using a woodcut technique. The stark contrast between black and white captures the powerful image of Leo the lion, along with celestial elements. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves away at a block of wood, leaving a raised design. When inked, only the raised areas print, resulting in bold, graphic images. Van der Stok's precise carving is evident in the lion's mane and musculature, achieving a striking level of detail. The labor-intensive nature of woodcut printing speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship during the early 20th century. Compared to industrial printing methods, each print carries the mark of the artist's hand. The medium's inherent qualities – its texture, the way ink sits on the surface – all contribute to the artwork's visual impact. Considering the material and process allows us to appreciate the artist's skill. It also challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, as printmaking relies on both artistic vision and technical expertise.