Ontwerp voor een vouwbeen 1874 - 1932

This is Mathieu Lauweriks’ ‘Ontwerp voor een vouwbeen’, or ‘Design for a folding bone’ made with ink on graph paper, sometime in the early 20th century. Lauweriks was part of a generation of artists who sought to infuse art and design with spiritual and mathematical principles, influenced by theosophy and a rejection of industrial capitalism. Here, Lauweriks meticulously drafts a design, likely for a decorative or architectural element. The geometric precision speaks to a desire for order and harmony, reflecting a broader cultural search for meaning amidst rapid social change. This work exemplifies the intersection of art, spirituality, and social critique prevalent in the early 20th century. While the design itself may seem abstract, its underlying principles are deeply rooted in a desire to create a more humane and spiritually enriched world. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its quiet assertion of human agency, a testament to the power of design to shape a better future.