Ceremonieel danspaard 1942

Reijer Stolk made this Ceremonial Dancing Horse sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. It looks like it could be a woodcut or linocut, something where you carve away at the surface to make a relief image. I wonder what kind of horse this artist had in mind, and what kind of dance. Was he thinking of a prancing circus pony, or a dressage horse showing off in a fancy arena? I love the simple shapes and the way he’s used pattern to create a sense of movement. The little tassels at the end of the tail make me smile, as does the fringe around its head. Stolk’s graphic style is reminiscent of other artists from the early 20th century like the German Expressionists, who were also interested in using bold, simplified forms to convey emotion. It’s easy to imagine him looking at their work and finding inspiration. Artists are always in conversation with each other, aren't they? Trying new things out and sharing ideas.