Titelblad voor een kalender voor 1924 1923

Editor: So, this is "Titelblad voor een kalender voor 1924" created in 1923 by Leo Visser – a calendar cover, of all things! It's a lovely blend of painting, drawing and printmaking. There's a peaceful feeling I get looking at those elegant cranes amongst the blossoming trees, even with the somewhat rigid, decorative art nouveau style. What stands out to you? Curator: It whispers stories to me, you know? The symbolism, for one, is delicious. Cranes often represent longevity and happiness, especially in Eastern art, subtly blended here with art nouveau, hinting perhaps at a desire for a harmonious new year. What I find truly engaging is how Visser manages to create this sense of calm through geometric shapes and a somewhat "naive" perspective, something that might jar in another artist's hands, don’t you think? Editor: It does feel carefully balanced. I almost missed the geometric patterns within the foliage at the bottom. Is that common in decorative art from this period? Curator: Absolutely! It's a play between organic and inorganic, a very typical interest of decorative arts, it brings to my mind conversations with my dear old Aunt… always balancing fresh flowers and structured shelving… but I digress! How does it speak to *you* personally? What’s your intuitive response? Editor: It makes me want to find a beautifully designed calendar. The kind you keep, even when the year is done. A little reminder of beauty through the passage of time, you know? Curator: Ah, exactly! So, art becomes less about just looking, and more about *living*, don’t you agree? And who knew a calendar could spark such contemplation?