De Intocht 1920

Bernard Essers created this print, titled "De Intocht," using woodcut techniques. The stark contrast of black and white is a graphic punch, but also subtle. It reminds us that even with limited tools, an artist can create depth and drama. The scene depicts a grand procession, a triumphant entry perhaps. The textures achieved through the carving are compelling; the way the light seems to catch the edges of the architecture. I keep coming back to how he manages to evoke light without actually using it. Look at the folds of the robes in the foreground. Each line seems carefully placed, not just to define form, but to suggest the play of light and shadow. It's fascinating how Essers balances detail with simplification. The mass of figures in the background are rendered with minimal strokes, yet they convey a sense of teeming activity. It reminds me a little of the graphic work of someone like Lynd Ward, who also wrung every last drop of expression from black and white. "De Intocht" invites us to consider the power of suggestion and the beauty of reduction.