Mars 1880 - 1932

Curator: Looking at "Mars," a woodcut created by Henri van der Stok sometime between 1880 and 1932, I’m struck by its imposing presence. The geometric shapes and the stark black and white create a sense of formidable strength. Editor: Formidable is right. I'm immediately drawn to the graphic boldness and art deco aesthetic. There's something almost brutal about its simplicity, and the eyes... They definitely hold my attention. Curator: Indeed. Van der Stok positions this image within a fascinating historical context. We have the artist drawing from symbolist and art deco styles. The clean lines and geometric arrangement aren't purely decorative. How do you read them symbolically? Editor: The planetary symbol beneath the figure and that radiant starburst above, combined with the geometric interpretation of a face—it all evokes a sense of cosmic power filtered through a distinctly modernist lens. Mars, the god of war, re-imagined for a new era, perhaps. The angularity almost gives it an ancient-future vibe, like something from a science fiction film about classical gods. Curator: An excellent point about the modernist interpretation. What is the political message when the war god of Antiquity reappears in the age of rising international tensions in Europe? It does not read to me as the figurehead of militarism but rather as its critical examination. Editor: Yes, the stark black and white intensifies this tension. There is nothing to glamourize this representation of Mars; all we see are the hard, unyielding planes. Curator: The graphic quality really speaks to how artists like Van der Stok engaged with printmaking as a medium for mass communication in the early 20th century, offering an aesthetic commentary on societal shifts. Editor: It definitely gives you a lot to think about, especially with all those visual allusions and the emotional weight they've carried through centuries. Curator: A reminder that the potency of ancient symbols remains, especially during times of social change and conflict. Editor: Absolutely. A thought-provoking encounter with art that challenges us to reconsider how symbols reflect and shape our perception.