Paaskaart van Bernard W.M. Ottevanger voor 1934 1934

This black and white print, a 'Paaskaart', or Easter card, was made by Philip van Praag around 1934. I can almost feel the artist carving into the block, each line a deliberate act of creation, like a sculptor coaxing form from stone. Van Praag is digging deep, literally, into the material. He is thinking about light, dark, and symbolic depth. The composition is a theatrical tableau, almost a stage set, framed by thorny plants and looming serpents. I wonder, what was Van Praag thinking about, what ideas were circulating in his mind as he crafted this image? The path to the mountain top, that radiant sunrise. I love the way he uses the stark contrast to create depth and drama. It reminds me of other graphic artists from the period who were grappling with similar themes of hope and redemption. Ultimately, this print speaks to the enduring power of art to explore the complexities of faith, inviting us to bring our own experiences and interpretations. It's all connected, you know?