De Notenkraker, 27 juli 1907 / De modelpatroon Possibly 1907

This black and white lithograph was produced by Albert Hahn in 1907 for the Dutch satirical magazine "De Notenkraker." I’m imagining the artist etching into the stone, line by line. Look at how the crisp strokes create a sense of depth and shadow, defining the figures and their surroundings. The image almost vibrates with the density of marks, each one a deliberate act. I wonder if Hahn felt a sense of urgency, knowing his work would be printed and distributed widely. The figures are drawn with such nuance. The stooped posture and downcast eyes of the main character are particularly poignant. Is this how Hahn saw the world? As a series of social critiques rendered with a sharp, unforgiving line? It reminds me of other graphic artists who used their craft to express the plight of workers. There’s a lineage here, a conversation across time and media, where each artist responds to the conditions of their world.