Geketende figuur - Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel

A striking woodcut by Dutch designer Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, featuring a stylised figure in profile with geometric, symbolic elements.

Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel was a Dutch architect and designer whose graphic work often reflected the esoteric and symbolic interests prevalent in the late nineteenth century. This woodcut, titled Geketende figuur, demonstrates the artist's affinity for clean, geometric lines and a flattened pictorial space. The composition is strictly organised, with the figure positioned centrally against a background of stylised, rhythmic waves. Above the figure, a decorative border of repeating floral or architectural motifs provides a sense of order, contrasting with the subject matter of restraint and confinement.

The figure is depicted in profile, with hands raised to the neck, where a heavy collar and chain are visible. The stark contrast between the black ink and the cream paper emphasises the graphic quality of the print. De Bazel employs a simplified, almost archaic approach to form, which aligns with the broader European interest in primitive and medieval aesthetics during this period. The inclusion of the 'ROMVS' stamp at the base suggests this print was part of a specific portfolio or collection, reflecting the artist's involvement in the Dutch arts and crafts movement and his pursuit of total design, where graphic elements were integrated into the broader architectural and interior schemes he produced.

This work provides insight into the psychological and decorative preoccupations of the fin-de-siècle era. The figure's expression is neutral, yet the presence of the chain introduces a narrative of entrapment. By reducing the image to its essential components, de Bazel achieves a clarity that is characteristic of his wider body of work, which often sought to balance spiritual symbolism with rigorous geometric structure. This print is an example of the graphic output that defined his early career, showcasing his ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, stylised visual forms.