Strand (1919)

Welcome to our exhibition page featuring the captivating 1919 woodcut, "Strand," by Dutch artist Bernard Essers. This striking monochrome piece, a testament to expressionist art, draws viewers into a dramatic seaside narrative.In "Strand," Essers employs stark black and white contrasts and dynamic, swirling lines to evoke the tumultuous atmosphere of a windy beach scene. The painting prominently features a woman dressed in a gust-afflicted, flowing garment. Her poise and upward gaze, coupled with clasped hands, imbue the scene with a poignant blend of anticipation and contemplation.The backdrop is equally expressive, with roiling clouds and stylized waves that mirror the turbulence above and below. A small boat, seemingly battling against the wind, parallels the struggle and resilience depicted in the woman’s stance. Accompanying her, two hounds, symbols of fidelity and protection, sniff curiously at a basket, linking domesticity or daily routine to the broader themes of nature’s overpowering force.On the horizon, faint outlines of architectural structures suggest the proximity of human civilization, yet also its fragility against the overwhelming power of the natural world as represented by the expansive and stormy sea.Bernard Essers’ "Strand" is not simply a visual work; it is a narrative about resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the eternal confrontation between man and nature.