Jurgen's Last Vision c. 1925

James Blanding Sloan made this print, Jurgen's Last Vision, using woodcut techniques, and it's all about the bold contrasts. The whole process of carving away at the wood feels so direct, like a statement made with a chisel. The stark black and white, punctuated by that single spot of red, really grabs you. You can almost feel the texture of the wood in those lines, right? Look at how he uses the lines to suggest movement, the way they flow behind the figure, giving a real sense of propulsion. That single red dot, held in the figure's hand, it almost feels like the heart of the whole thing. It’s so simple, but it carries all this weight. Sloan’s work reminds me a little of the German Expressionists, like Kirchner. Both artists use these strong lines and stark contrasts to create something that feels both intense and immediate. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art doesn't always need to be complicated to be powerful.