Viool 1887 - 1924

This is Julie de Graag’s “Viool,” a woodcut made with ink on paper. The process here is everything: De Graag carefully carves an image into a block of wood, then inks and prints it, making impressions on paper. Woodcut is an old technique, popular in printmaking, and it is a labor-intensive medium, demanding patience and skill. Notice the contrast between the black ink and the off-white paper. This is how De Graag captures the delicate details of the flower's petals and texture. See how the lines radiate from the center, creating a sense of depth and movement. The tactile quality of the print reflects De Graag's careful touch, highlighting her engagement with the material. By celebrating the physicality of the woodcut process, De Graag elevates craft to the level of fine art, blurring those traditional boundaries and making us appreciate the work involved in the making.