Vos in monnikspij (Reinaert) omringd door kippen en haan (Cantecleer) Possibly 1909

This print, made by Bernard Willem Wierink, shows a fox in monk’s robes surrounded by chickens and a rooster. It has such a light touch! The artist doesn't seem to have laboured over the image, instead it's as if the matrix has been kissed by the paper. The pale green ink is really delicate and translucent. The forms are semi-abstract, creating a feeling of something fleeting and dreamlike. The textured blocks of colour and the simple shapes of the animals create a visual rhythm. I love how the patterns at the top hint at a sense of place. It's all about suggestion rather than depiction. There's a definite nod to medieval fables with a contemporary twist here. I'm reminded of Henri Matisse's paper cut-outs in their spirit of playful experimentation. Both artists invite us to see the world with fresh eyes, embracing simplicity and celebrating the joy of pure form. Ultimately, art is a conversation across time, isn't it?