Bandontwerp voor: Ch. M. van Deventer, Hollandsche bellettrie van den dag, 1901 1901

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries made this design for "Hollandsche bellettrie van den dag" in 1901, using pencil and watercolor on paper. Isn’t it lovely? De Vries’s process feels so open, almost like a sketch in its exploratory quality. Look at the way the watercolour is applied – thin and translucent. You can see the pencil markings underneath. I love that he doesn't try to hide the underlying structure, instead he integrates the grid as part of the design. Focus on those repeating diamond shapes. The way they’re rendered gives the impression of movement – a kind of visual rhythm or syncopation. They remind me of Art Nouveau, all swooping lines and organic forms. I think the restricted palette is really effective here, that blue-grey is so calming. De Vries’s design shares something with the later work of someone like Hilma af Klint in its exploration of geometric abstraction and spiritual themes. Ultimately, the beauty of art lies in its capacity to spark dialogue and to remain open to endless reinterpretation.