Harr Scheffer (1937-2016) - Zaandijk

Zonnedijk is a color linocut by Harr Scheffer (1937–2016). The landscape is greatly simplified into horizontal fields of color in blue, mint green and soft red. Along the horizon there are a few red, geometrically constructed roofs, sharply delineated against the deep blue sky. Rhythmic sequences of narrow lines cut through the foreground and suggest the structure of the landscape. The combination of large flat areas, repetition and perspective-narrowing line patterns gives the portrayal a distinctly graphic character.

Under the work, in pencil titled Zonnedijk, numbered 22/25, labeled lino / own print and lower right signed Ronkenstein / Harr ’83. Dimensions of the work: 50 × 50 cm; including frame: 52 × 52 cm.

Biography of the artist
Harr Scheffer (Venlo, 1937 – Reuver, 2016) was a Dutch graphic artist, painter, sculptor and teacher. He studied at the Graphic School in Roermond and the Academy for Industrial Design in Eindhoven, where he also worked as a lecturer from 1963. Within his graphic oeuvre, the linocut occupied an important place. The landscape formed a central subject: Scheffer reduced recognizable landscape elements to carefully arranged color fields, lines and rhythmic structures, with the horizon often playing a determining role. His work is described as abstracting and abstract-figurative. In 2002–2003, a retrospective dedicated to his graphic oeuvre was held at Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo. On that occasion the publication Harr Scheffer, graficus was issued, in which his graphic oeuvre was catalogued.