Camelia, links een bloem in knop 1920

This is Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita's woodcut 'Camelia, links een bloem in knop,’ and I love how the stark contrast gives everything a graphic punch. It's like he’s carving light itself into the image, making each petal and leaf pop with simple, clear shapes. Look at how the solid black background makes the flower float, almost weightless. The way the light catches the edges of the petals, it's as if they’re illuminated from behind. Then, that border—it's not just decoration; it's part of the story, framing the flower and drawing us in. The way he’s used the medium, it’s all about carving away to reveal the light, showing the process of art-making so clearly. It kind of reminds me of some of Emil Nolde’s flower paintings, but Mesquita’s got this graphic edge that's all his own. It’s this ongoing conversation, each artist picking up the thread and weaving something new. The possibilities are never-ending!