Kraai, omhoogkijkend naar mugje 1918

This is Jan Mankes’s print, "Kraai, omhoogkijkend naar mugje" or "Crow Looking Up at a Gnat," and who knows when it was made! The carving and printing process emphasizes the texture of the lines, it is a real graphic statement, isn’t it? Mankes uses stark contrasts to create a sense of depth and drama. Look at the way the crow's feathers are delineated with such precise lines, almost like each feather is a carefully etched stroke. The gnat, tiny and almost insignificant, becomes a focal point, it pulls our eye upwards and makes us wonder what the crow is thinking. Is it curiosity, hunger, or just a moment of simple observation? This reminds me a bit of some of the woodcuts by Félix Vallotton, that same kind of intensity, although Mankes has a very unique and personal vision. Mankes invites us to pause and consider the quiet moments in life, the overlooked details, and the simple beauty of the natural world.