Geschiedenis van Pedalard 1894 - 1959

This lithograph titled, "Geschiedenis van Pedalard" at the Rijksmuseum is a delightful example of Gordinne’s playful approach to storytelling through images. Look at the use of flat color and simple lines. It’s as if Gordinne is saying, "Let’s not get too serious here; let’s have some fun!" There’s a wonderful lightness to this piece, isn't there? The texture of the paper peeks through the colored ink. I imagine Gordinne carefully layering each color, building up the images one layer at a time, almost like a printmaker. I keep coming back to the lower row, look at that dog riding a bicycle. There's something really joyous in the overall composition of this artwork. You could easily imagine it being a page from a children's book. Think of the work of Edward Gorey or some other illustrative draftsman. It invites you to linger, to explore, and to find your own narrative within its charming vignettes.