St. Franciscus en de vogels 1880 - 1946

This is Henri van der Stok's 'St. Franciscus en de vogels,' a black and white woodcut. The composition consists of a vertical frame filled with geometric and organic motifs. St. Francis, rendered in simplified forms, stands amidst an array of birds. The stark contrast between black and white flattens the space, pushing the foreground and background together. Linear patterns dominate—notice how the lines create textures that define the plumage of the birds. This technique emphasizes surface design over depth. The overall structure destabilizes traditional notions of perspective and naturalistic representation. By reducing forms to their essential shapes and lines, the artist encourages us to see beyond the literal depiction of the scene. It invites us to consider how signs and symbols work to create meaning and understanding. Rather than aiming for a realistic portrayal, the artist focuses on the interplay between form and content, creating an image with a bold graphic presence.