Linoleum-Cuts by William Jacobs 1938

This portfolio of Linoleum-Cuts was made by William Jacobs, we're not sure exactly when, but probably in the mid-20th century. These are stark, almost graphic works. The artist carves away at the linoleum to create these high contrast images. There's no colour, just black and white, but so much texture! Look at the way he renders the faces and the buildings behind. It's all in these very deliberate, directional marks. The surface of the linoleum must have been quite soft, to allow for this level of detail. It makes me think of Käthe Kollwitz, another artist who used printmaking to express social themes and human emotions, even though Jacob's style has an illustrative quality that's all his own. The cut of the linoleum is so clear and graphic, like a comic book. It's such a great way to tell a story. With linocuts there's no hiding the process, no room for error. The artist's hand is so present, even though it's been mediated through the cut. This embrace of simplicity is part of what makes these works so powerful.