Egel 1916

This is "Egel," a print made by Jan Mankes, though the date is unknown. Isn't it something? Looking at this print, I’m drawn to the hedgehog's quills, each one meticulously placed, creating a sort of textured armor. It's like Mankes is showing us the process of seeing, one tiny mark at a time. The colour palette is so subtle, almost monochromatic, letting the texture and form do all the talking. I love how the dark background makes the hedgehog pop, and the way the light catches the tips of its spines. You can almost feel the prickly texture, right? It's all about the contrast between the smooth, dark areas and the tiny, bright marks that make up the hedgehog. To me, it speaks to a deeper connection with nature, a focus on the small details that often go unnoticed. It makes me think of Paula Modersohn-Becker, another artist who found beauty in simplicity and everyday subjects. Both artists remind us that art is an ongoing conversation.