The artwork “Ex Libris. T. de Ridder” is a design crafted by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in the year 1918. It is an exemplar of the Expressionism art movement. Although Escher is often associated with later works that display mathematical precision and fantastical transformations, this piece denotes his earlier foray into the realm of design.
The artwork depicts a bold, striking composition, centralizing a knight in armor galloping on a muscular horse. The sense of movement is palpable as the horse rears up, possibly in the midst of battle or another intense encounter. The knight brandishes a large sword, suggesting action and readiness for combat. The use of contrasting black and white enhances the sense of drama and emphasizes the dynamic lines and curves that define both the horse and rider.
Surrounding the central figure is a border that includes a name, “T. de Ridder,” likely indicating that this piece was made as a personalized bookplate (ex libris) for the individual bearing that name. The border has a sunburst pattern composed of triangular shapes that radiate outward, as if to symbolize honor, chivalry, and perhaps the radiance of knowledge – fitting themes for a bookplate.
Although the details of the knight and steed are somewhat abstracted, typical of the Expressionist focus on emotional experience over realism, the design nevertheless carries a powerful visual impact. Its evocative nature captures the imagination, serving its function as a design piece while also foreshadowing Escher’s ongoing fascination with the interplay of shapes and space.