A refined lithograph by Dutch architect Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, featuring three figures rendered in a clean, symbolist graphic style.

This lithograph, titled Aan vermomden (To the Disguised), reflects the distinctive graphic style of the Dutch architect and designer Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel. De Bazel was a central figure in the Dutch arts and crafts movement, known for his interest in theosophy and geometric order. His work often features a restrained, almost meditative quality, drawing from historical motifs and a desire for spiritual harmony.

The composition presents three figures in a tight, vertical arrangement. The lines are clean and deliberate, prioritising form over realistic shading. The central figure, wearing a cap, occupies the left side of the frame, while a second figure appears in profile above, and a third figure is positioned lower right. The interaction between the figures is quiet and enigmatic, typical of the symbolist tendencies prevalent in European art at the turn of the twentieth century. The use of black ink on a neutral ground creates a stark, graphic contrast that emphasises the silhouettes and the linear rhythm of the subjects.

De Bazel's approach to illustration was informed by his architectural training. He favoured symmetry and a clear, balanced distribution of elements within the picture plane. This print demonstrates his ability to distil complex human interactions into a series of elegant, simplified shapes. The work avoids unnecessary detail, allowing the viewer to focus on the posture and the subtle expressions of the figures. It is a representative example of the graphic output produced by the Dutch avant-garde during this period, where the influence of international art nouveau and symbolist aesthetics merged with a uniquely Dutch sense of order and clarity.