Letter "D" Possibly 1953

Jenny Dalenoord made this print of the letter “D,” incorporating a bird design, using linocut. Dalenoord was a children’s book illustrator, whose work reflects the progressive educational movements of the post-war period in the Netherlands. This print’s simple forms and limited palette are typical of the era. The bird, reminiscent of folk art motifs, suggests the influence of a pre-industrial aesthetic. The linocut technique, with its graphic clarity and ease of reproduction, suited the democratic ideals of the time and questions the traditional institutions of art. This particular print could have been created for educational purposes, reflecting a broader cultural interest in accessible design. To better understand this work, research into the Dutch educational reforms of the mid-20th century, and the place of art within them, would be most useful. This print is evidence of the power of art to reflect and shape societal values.