The Cock 1952

Bernard Reder created this lithograph, titled "The Cock", in 1952, utilizing ink on paper. The stark contrast of black ink against the paper immediately grabs your attention, setting a dramatic, almost spectral tone. Reder masterfully uses line and form to construct the figure of a rooster, yet the traditional representation dissolves into a web of abstract shapes. Notice how the rooster’s form is both present and absent, its essence captured through a network of lines that suggest movement and energy. This approach reflects Reder’s exploration of form, where the subject is broken down and reconstructed, challenging our perception of reality. Reder’s use of semi-abstract forms invites us to question the very nature of representation and meaning in art. The rough texture of the lithograph adds another layer, enhancing the sense of dynamism and transformation inherent in the artwork.