Christus te midden van kathedralen 1916

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this piece, Christus te midden van kathedralen, using etching. The approach to mark-making in this piece is really interesting. The textures feel so physical. The lines are all so deliberate, you can see the pressure and angle of the tool in each mark. Looking at the lower part of the work, those sharply defined cathedral tops are fascinating. They contrast with the softly blurred buildings behind Christ’s body and really draw your eye, anchoring the composition. The way these textures play together creates a dynamic tension. It reminds me a bit of Käthe Kollwitz’s work, especially her prints focusing on social issues. Both artists share a commitment to using graphic arts to explore powerful and emotional themes. Both artists seem to ask questions about how we can create art that engages with the world without being didactic.