Titelhoofd met hanen 1893

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this woodcut titled "Titelhoofd met hanen", or "Title page with Roosters," at the turn of the 20th century. Dijsselhof was part of a generation of Dutch artists who embraced symbolism and art nouveau, drawing inspiration from nature and non-western art. The print features two stylized roosters facing each other, framed by decorative borders and floral motifs. Roosters are often associated with masculinity, pride, and aggression. Here, the artist uses this imagery to explore themes of competition and dominance within a decorative aesthetic. Dijsselhof's choice of the woodcut medium, with its bold lines and graphic quality, lends a sense of immediacy and rawness to the image. Consider how the artist uses the traditional symbolic language to emphasize the emotional intensity of the confrontation. The artwork invites us to reflect on societal dynamics of power and status.