Twee distelbloemen 1914

"Twee distelbloemen" (Two Thistles) is a 1914 woodcut by Dutch artist Jan Mankes (1889-1920). This small-scale work, measuring only 179mm by 148mm, showcases Mankes's signature style, characterized by intricate detail and a focus on natural forms. The artwork depicts two thistles rendered in shades of brown and gold against a muted blue-green background, highlighting the delicate beauty of these often-overlooked plants. The woodcut's careful execution and emphasis on the texture of the thistles reveal Mankes's mastery of the printmaking medium. "Twee distelbloemen" embodies Mankes's overarching artistic interest in the natural world and his ability to translate it into compelling visual art.