Duinpan met twee figuren c. 1925

This print, Duinpan met twee figuren, was made by Bernard Essers, but we don't know exactly when. Look at the contrast between the deep blacks and pure whites, achieved through the process of cutting into the block. This contrast isn't just about the image itself; it's about the physical act of carving, and the choices that were made. Notice how the sky is alive with these graphic rain showers, suggesting both calm and drama. And, wow, that leaning tree in the centre, almost like it’s bowing to the wind, its branches reaching across the landscape. This isn't just a tree; it's a character, full of movement. The whole print feels a bit like a stage set, with these two figures making their way across the scene. Essers’ work reminds me a bit of Emil Nolde, another artist who wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries of printmaking and colour. But, where Nolde is intense, Essers is more restrained. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, with each artist adding their voice to the mix.