Sterrenbeeld weegschaal 1880 - 1946

Here is your audio guide entry: Henri van der Stok created this monochromatic woodcut, "Sterrenbeeld Weegschaal," whose stark contrasts immediately draw the eye. The composition is dominated by a central, stylized female figure representing Libra, the scales of justice suspended on either side. The limited palette enhances the symbolic weight of the image, inviting us to consider the underlying structures of representation. Van der Stok employs a semiotic system where each element functions as a sign. The figure, rendered in pale relief against the dark background, is framed by geometric and organic motifs. This juxtaposition suggests a tension between rationality and nature, a dichotomy inherent in the astrological sign itself. Notice how the scales are not merely balanced; they are integral to the figure's pose, linked at her heart, symbolizing Libra's pursuit of equilibrium. The artist’s use of positive and negative space creates a dynamic interplay that challenges fixed meanings. Rather than a straightforward depiction, the woodcut destabilizes traditional representations of justice, embedding it within a matrix of cosmic and earthly symbols. The emphasis on form and structure encourages us to interpret the artwork as a complex interplay of visual and cultural codes, open to ongoing interpretation.