Kop van een leeuwin 1920 - 1923

Bernard Willem Wierink created this woodcut, "Head of a Lioness," sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The print presents a striking study in contrasts, the stark black ink carving out the lioness's profile against a light background. The dramatic use of monochrome enhances the animal’s raw, untamed presence. Wierink's method of delineating form through bold lines and shaded areas reflects a keen awareness of graphic design principles. Notice how the network of lines doesn't just depict the lioness, but also constructs a pattern that challenges traditional representation. The interplay between positive and negative space is charged, almost vibrating with energy. This isn't merely a portrait. It's a structural investigation into how an image can convey power and grace. It functions as a sign, an emblem of primal strength tempered by artistic restraint. In this regard, the artwork resists easy categorization, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between art and symbol.