Schildpad 1887 - 1924

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have a striking linocut entitled "Schildpad," or "Tortoise," by Julie de Graag. Its creation is dated sometime between 1887 and 1924. Editor: It’s incredibly graphic. The high contrast makes the tortoise feel both monumental and surprisingly vulnerable, nestled in that almost lunar, soft white oval. It strikes me as ancient, iconic. Curator: The process itself is fascinating. Think of the physical act of carving into linoleum to create this image, removing material to define the shape of the tortoise, the negative space becoming almost as important as the subject itself. A very deliberate, labour-intensive method for what appears, at first glance, so simple. Editor: Exactly. The tortoise itself carries such weight – from ancient creation myths to Aesop's fables. That shell becomes this powerful symbol of protection, wisdom, longevity. And yet, here it's presented with this almost naive directness. There is something about the patterns that suggest ancient inscriptions. Curator: And let’s consider the choice of linocut itself, a readily available and affordable medium in the early 20th century. De Graag is consciously working within a particular set of material conditions. It democratizes printmaking, in a way. Her style incorporates that same kind of utilitarian access as the medium. Editor: Perhaps, too, it reflects a broader cultural interest in the tortoise as a symbol of constancy in a rapidly changing world. There is something grounding and primal about it, its form enduring throughout millennia and cultures. Curator: Considering the accessibility of this piece given its materials and creation, I wonder about its production value as it reflects artistic integrity beyond profit. Editor: Seeing this today really draws out all those layers. It prompts reflection about the weight of the past and our own individual journeys toward longevity. Curator: It really allows one to meditate on De Graag's unique position in history through these humble materials. Editor: Precisely; I can certainly appreciate Schildpad anew.