Javaansche danseres 1920

Johannes Frederik Engelbert ten Klooster created this print, "Javaansche danseres," using the woodcut technique. Woodcut is one of the oldest forms of printmaking. To make it, the artist carves an image into the surface of a block of wood, leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. The remaining image is then inked and pressed onto paper. The stark contrast between the cut and uncut areas gives the print its graphic quality. Ten Klooster was part of the Dutch artistic movement that embraced craft techniques. This print reflects an interest in non-western cultures, fashionable at the time, but it also demonstrates a deep appreciation for the inherent qualities of the woodcut medium. The bold lines and shapes, achieved through careful carving, show the artist's skill and the amount of labor involved. By emphasizing the process and materials, ten Klooster elevates woodcut from a simple reproduction method to a powerful form of artistic expression. It challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft, highlighting the value of skilled handwork in the creation of art.