Ornament 1887 - 1924

Julie de Graag made this ornament in pen and ink. There’s an incredible freedom and looseness in the lines, and you get the sense that de Graag was in a kind of flow state while creating this symmetrical design. There's something mesmerizing about the way the black ink sits against the plain paper. It’s all about simplicity and getting down to the essence of form. Look at the way the curves of the central motif echo each other, creating a sense of rhythm and harmony. The ink is so opaque, each dot and line seems to pop out. It's like she’s building up layers of meaning with each stroke. I’m especially drawn to the way the lines taper and swell, giving the piece a real sense of movement and energy. De Graag’s work has affinities with artists such as Hilma af Klint, who explored similar themes of spirituality and symbolism in their art. Ultimately, this little artwork embraces ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own interpretations and experiences to the table.