Hulst en maretak 1892 - 1940

Henri Verstijnen made this drawing of holly and mistletoe using pen and ink. The stark contrast between the black ink and the bare paper gives the image a crisp, graphic quality. Verstijnen meticulously fills the holly leaves with solid ink, emphasizing their spiky edges, while the mistletoe is more delicate, rendered with simple outlines. This contrast isn’t just visual; it speaks to the different qualities of the plants themselves – the tough, enduring holly versus the parasitic mistletoe. The drawing showcases Verstijnen’s technical skill with the pen. Note how he uses varying line weights to create depth and texture, giving life to a simple medium, and how this brings the natural world into graphic form for mass reproduction. Paying attention to the materials and processes of artmaking allows us to appreciate the artist's skill, and how this connects to broader social and cultural practices.