Kalenderblad voor mei 1911 met libellen en waterplanten 1910

This is Theo van Hoytema’s calendar sheet for May 1911, made using lithography. It's an image made for mass production, yet rendered with incredible delicacy. Hoytema has used the lithographic process, printing from a flat stone, to create something that mimics a subtle watercolor. Look at the close observation of these dragonflies and water plants; the artist's deep knowledge of the natural world is evident in every detail. The overall palette is muted, and the artist has managed to create a tranquil design, despite the rigid grid of the calendar itself. Interestingly, Hoytema was an anarchist who refused to work on commission for commercial firms. So, although this calendar presents itself as an object of practical utility, it's also the product of a very particular social and political position. He seems to have made this work for the love of it, imbuing it with the beauty of nature. In doing so, Hoytema reminds us that even in the most everyday objects, we can find both artistry and conviction.