April 1918

Julie de Graag created this striking woodcut titled "April," which is now housed in the Rijksmuseum. It features a symmetrical arrangement of budding flowers set against a dark background, evoking a sense of early spring's quiet energy. De Graag employs a stark contrast between light and shadow, a technique that heightens the visual impact and draws our eyes to the intricate details of the flora. The use of simplified forms and linear patterns transforms the natural subject into an almost abstract design. This treatment reflects a broader artistic trend of the early 20th century, where artists like De Graag explored the expressive possibilities of form and structure. Her interplay of positive and negative space challenges traditional modes of representation. The vertical orientation and balanced composition emphasize a sense of growth and potential, capturing the essence of April as a month of renewal. Through the formal elements of line, shape, and contrast, De Graag invites us to consider the underlying structures that shape our perception and understanding of the natural world.