Christmas Card (In Dulci Jubilo) - Margarete Köhler

A striking woodcut print by Margarete Köhler, featuring the text of the carol In Dulci Jubilo in a bold, expressive style.

This woodcut print by Margarete Köhler displays the characteristic aesthetic of early twentieth-century German Expressionist graphic design. The work features the text of the traditional carol In Dulci Jubilo, rendered in a bold, hand-carved typeface that integrates directly with the surrounding visual elements. The composition relies on the stark contrast between the heavy black ink and the cream-coloured paper, a hallmark of the woodcut medium.

Köhler employs a direct, unrefined approach to the carving process. The jagged edges of the letters and the surrounding abstract forms suggest the physical resistance of the wood block. The inclusion of a candle motif on the left side provides a subtle thematic anchor, while the rhythmic arrangement of the text creates a sense of movement across the horizontal frame. Small accents of muted red ink provide a restrained colour variation, drawing the eye to specific characters within the phrase. The overall design avoids unnecessary ornamentation, focusing instead on the raw, tactile quality of the printmaking process. This piece reflects the period interest in folk traditions and the revival of historical printing techniques, stripped of academic polish in favour of emotional immediacy. The composition is balanced yet dynamic, with the text acting as both the subject and the primary decorative element of the print.