Jule- og nytårskort 1936

This is Axel Hou’s Jule- og nytårskort, made using etching. It’s a tightly packed composition, almost claustrophobic, with every little space filled with marks. Look at how the surface is treated, it’s so dense, built up with this network of tiny lines, cross-hatching, and stippling. There are so many descriptive and symbolic elements squeezed together, creating an atmosphere of layered meaning. The way he handles light and shadow is beautiful, it’s all created with these varying densities of lines that give a sense of form and space. Now, zero in on the figure of the woodcutter on the left. The way he’s rendered, bent over his work, feels so physical, so grounded, especially in contrast to the delicate angels hovering nearby. It’s like the earthly and divine are coexisting. This piece reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz, the way she uses line to convey emotion and social commentary. Both artists aren’t afraid to dive into the grit and complexity of life, making art that speaks to both the heart and the mind.