Ontwerp voor een adreskaart 1884 - 1952

This address card design was made by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries at an unknown date. The stark contrast between the black ink and the white card creates a punchy visual impact. De Vries clearly enjoys the repetition of shapes and motifs. Look at the way the bunches of grapes and swirling vines form a decorative border, framing the space for the address. It's almost like a stage set! The two little figures on either side, holding aloft what look like goblets, add a touch of playful asymmetry. Take note of the top right corner where the liquid is spilling. The controlled drip of the line gives a little hint of depth to the image. Does this give the image a sense of playfulness? The piece as a whole reminds me a little of the work of the surrealist artist, Joan Miró. I enjoy the sense of wit and lightness.