Man met baard en zespuntige ster 1894 - 1935

This is Mathieu Lauweriks' woodcut print, "Man met baard en zespuntige ster." The high contrast between the black ink and the off-white paper immediately draws the eye to the central figure. The rigid, vertical lines of the beard cascade downward, juxtaposed against the geometric precision of the six-pointed star. Lauweriks was deeply involved with the principles of geometric abstraction and spiritual symbolism. The figure's formal symmetry and stylization suggest an attempt to reconcile the earthly with the divine. The six-pointed star, a symbol rich in esoteric traditions, is presented here not merely as a decorative element but as a foundational structure upon which the figure rests. Note how the artist uses the starkness of the medium to emphasize the structure and the linear quality of the composition. The geometric patterns create a sense of order, but the figure's intense gaze complicates this, hinting at a deeper, perhaps unknowable, meaning. The artist's formal choices elevate the print beyond mere representation, turning it into an exploration of symbolic form and spiritual geometry. Remember, each line and shape contributes to a complex dialogue that invites contemplation and further inquiry.