Kind en bijen 1894 - 1935

Mathieu Lauweriks created this woodcut print, approximately 27 by 10 centimeters, employing stark black ink on a light surface. The composition unfolds vertically, presenting three distinct zones. At the top, we see a crowned head radiating light, below a child-like figure in what looks like a womb, and at the base, a cluster of bees. Lauweriks was deeply involved in theosophy and geometric abstraction, which is evident here. Each form seems carefully arranged, almost like a symbolic equation. The contrast between the dark figures and the light background creates a visual tension, pushing us to interpret their relationships. Are the bees supporting or threatening the child? Is the crowned head a protective deity or a distant authority? The print's power lies in its formal arrangement; the use of symmetry and the clear delineation of shapes invite contemplation, rather than dictating meaning. This piece isn't just a depiction; it's an invitation to engage with the structural elements of symbolism.