Ornamentele rand met eksters c. 1910

Bernard Willem Wierink made this ornamental border with magpies without a known date. We can contextualize this fascinating, almost hieroglyphic image, by considering Wierink's role in the Dutch Arts and Crafts movement. In the Netherlands, the Arts and Crafts movement represented a fusion of art and industry. The goal was to create affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional objects for everyday use. These design principles reflected a broader social agenda. Figures like Wierink saw art as a means to uplift society and improve the quality of life for all citizens. The stylized magpies and geometric motifs in this border reflect an interest in nature and an embrace of simplified forms. The design is reminiscent of both traditional folk art and the modern aesthetics of the early 20th century. For further exploration, look to periodicals and exhibition catalogs from this period to get a better sense of how artists conceived of art's role in society.