De Notenkraker, 8 juni 1907 / De Staten-verkiezingen Possibly 1907

This is 'De Notenkraker', a publication from June 8th, 1907, by Albert Hahn. It's a lithograph, a printmaking technique that allows for detailed linework, like the kind used to create those bold shadows and stark contrasts. Looking at this image, the texture is all in the lines. The way the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up areas of tone. See the figure, centre left, ‘Demokratie’ written on the side? It’s trapped by chains. The heavy handed figure, on the right, wields the instrument with which it is being trapped, an instrument of injustice. The smaller figures, in contrast, seem almost pathetic, scrambling to get on top. The grainy quality of the print gives it a kind of raw, immediate feel, like it was just pulled from the press. It reminds me of some of the German Expressionists, like Kathe Kollwitz, who used printmaking to create powerful social commentary. Art like this isn't just about what you see, but about sparking a conversation, stirring up feelings, and making you think about the world in a new way.