De Notenkraker, 27 juli 1907 / De modelpatroon Possibly 1907

This is ‘De Modelpatroon’, made as a print in 1907 by Albert Hahn. The whole image is built from these really graphic, descriptive lines, like a very detailed drawing. You get the sense that it’s been built up layer by layer, with each mark carefully considered. There’s this great chair in the center, and Hahn uses line to make it look almost three-dimensional, and solid. See how the lines on the man's suit also have a similar density to those of the chair. The texture of the suit almost merges with the hard lines of the woven chair, making me think about how objects and clothing become like second skins. And the old man is almost bowing to the chair, this one object that signifies rest. I love that. Looking at someone like George Grosz, who was working around the same time, you see a similar use of line to create these very critical, satirical images of society. It’s like they’re both using drawing to expose something about the world, but with their own distinct voice.