Vrouw die een balk draagt en twee geiten aan het strand 1919

Bernard Essers made this woodcut, 'Woman Carrying a Beam and Two Goats on the Beach,' using a relief printmaking technique. The image is made by carving away the white spaces from the surface of a block of wood, then inking and printing the remaining raised areas. The stark contrast of black and white defines the scene: a woman bearing a heavy beam strides along the shore, accompanied by goats against the backdrop of a turbulent sea. Essers would have needed considerable skill to control his tools and the wood grain, achieving both bold graphic elements and finer details. The repetitive, linear marks evoke the textures of water, fabric, and even animal fur. The overall aesthetic bears the influence of German Expressionism, a movement deeply engaged with social issues and the raw, emotive power of woodcut printing. Considering the labor-intensive process, this print is less about commercial production, and more about the unique artistic expression found in the direct engagement with materials.