Ex libris van het stoomschip Koningin Wilhelmina 1910

This Ex libris van het stoomschip Koningin Wilhelmina was made around 1910 by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. It's a woodcut print, so let's imagine the artist carefully carving away at a block of wood, revealing these fierce lions and swirling botanical forms. I bet Cachet was thinking about heraldry, and symbolism, and the power of the Dutch monarchy. It's a bookplate after all, so I imagine him pondering how images could protect, or bless, or signify ownership. The high contrast of black and white emphasizes the bold, graphic quality of the image. Look how the lions are stylized, almost like Art Nouveau decorations, yet still retain their regal bearing. The black ink feels thick and rich on the page, giving the print a tactile presence. Those lines communicate strength, pride, and a touch of wildness. The Dutch have always had a unique relationship with the sea and the vessels that sail upon it, so maybe this work speaks to a time when ships were considered guardians of the nation. What do you think?