Lacterende vrouw die de ogen van een andere vrouw bedekt - Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel

A striking Symbolist etching by Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, featuring two figures in a ritualised, enigmatic interaction.

Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel was a Dutch architect and designer whose graphic work often explored mystical and symbolic themes. This etching displays the characteristic linear precision and flattened perspective found in his turn-of-the-century output. The composition features two figures engaged in a ritualised interaction, where one woman covers the eyes of another. The scene possesses a dreamlike quality, typical of the Symbolist movement, which prioritised internal states and allegorical meaning over direct observation of the physical world.

The artist employs a rigorous geometric structure, framing the figures within a decorative border that echoes his architectural training. The lines are deliberate and controlled, creating a sense of stillness and gravity. The figures are rendered with a focus on silhouette and pattern rather than anatomical volume, which aligns with the aesthetic preferences of the period. The use of negative space and the stark contrast between the dark background and the lighter, etched forms draw the viewer into the quiet, enigmatic narrative of the piece.

De Bazel was deeply influenced by theosophy and the search for universal truths, which often manifested in his art through balanced, symmetrical arrangements and recurring motifs. This work is an example of his ability to synthesise disparate influences, including Egyptian art and early modern European design, into a cohesive visual language. The print offers a glimpse into the intellectual climate of the Netherlands during the early 1900s, where artists sought to reconcile the material world with spiritual inquiry. By stripping away unnecessary detail, the artist directs attention to the gesture itself, inviting contemplation on the nature of sight, concealment, and human connection.