Ex libris van onbekend 1921

This bookplate was made with a woodblock by N. Santigiuliana. The single colour and bold graphic style make it a striking image. It's fascinating how this artist uses such a limited palette to create depth and texture. Look at the way the figure's robe is rendered, with just a few lines suggesting the folds and weight of the fabric. It's all about suggestion, and about trusting the viewer to fill in the gaps. The mark making, the carving, looks almost crude, but it’s so effective. The rough texture of the wood adds another layer of interest. You can almost feel the artist's hand at work, carving away at the block to reveal the image beneath. The whiteness of the unprinted parts isn’t just empty space, it’s actively shaping the composition, defining the figure and landscape. The stark simplicity reminds me of the German Expressionist woodcuts of someone like Emil Nolde, who also used bold lines and simplified forms to convey powerful emotions. Ultimately, this small bookplate reminds us that art is about more than just technical skill, it's about seeing the world in a new way.