Man met zegenende houding boven twee figuren - Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel

A striking Symbolist woodcut by Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, depicting a central figure in benediction above two praying individuals.

This woodcut by Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel reflects the artist's deep engagement with Theosophy and esoteric symbolism. De Bazel, a Dutch architect and designer, often incorporated geometric precision and spiritual themes into his graphic work. The composition features a central, elevated figure with arms outstretched in a gesture of benediction. A triangular halo radiates light from behind the head, suggesting a divine or enlightened state. Below this figure, two individuals are depicted in prayer, their forms partially obscured by flowing, serpentine lines that bridge the gap between the earthly and the celestial.

The work employs a stark, high-contrast aesthetic typical of the woodcut medium. The lines are deliberate and controlled, creating a sense of order that balances the mystical subject matter. De Bazel uses the black and white palette to define space, with the dark background providing a heavy, atmospheric weight that pushes the lighter, central figure forward. The symmetry of the composition reinforces the meditative quality of the scene, inviting the viewer to contemplate the relationship between the human figures and the transcendent presence above them.

As a practitioner of the Nieuwe Kunst movement, De Bazel sought to integrate spiritual meaning into everyday design. This print is a clear example of his ability to distil complex philosophical ideas into a singular, graphic image. The figures are rendered with a degree of stylisation that avoids unnecessary detail, focusing instead on the posture and the symbolic interaction between the three subjects. The work remains a compelling example of Dutch Symbolist graphic art, demonstrating the artist's technical skill and his interest in the intersection of geometry and spirituality.