Poster for Revue Bimestrielle - Johan Thorn Prikker

A striking 1892 Symbolist lithograph by Johan Thorn Prikker, featuring a stylised, linear depiction of the Crucifixion designed for the Revue Bimestrielle.

This lithographic poster, created by the Dutch artist Johan Thorn Prikker in 1892, represents a significant example of Symbolist graphic design. The work was commissioned to advertise the Revue Bimestrielle, a publication associated with the avant-garde circles of the period. Thorn Prikker employs a highly stylised, linear aesthetic that draws upon the visual language of Art Nouveau while maintaining the melancholic, spiritual intensity characteristic of his Symbolist output.

The composition is dominated by a central figure of Christ on the cross, rendered with elongated, distorted proportions that emphasise suffering and spiritual weight. The crown of thorns and the surrounding circular motifs create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic visual structure. Above the central figure, a series of profile heads are arranged within circular frames, suggesting a connection to Byzantine iconography or early religious woodcuts. The use of bold, black outlines against a neutral background creates a stark, graphic quality that is typical of the posters produced for literary and artistic journals at the end of the nineteenth century.

Thorn Prikker was deeply involved in the international Symbolist movement, and this work reflects his interest in the fusion of religious themes with modern decorative sensibilities. The lettering at the base is integrated into the overall design, demonstrating the artist's attention to the relationship between typography and image. This piece provides a clear view into the aesthetic preoccupations of the 1890s, where artists sought to move beyond naturalism in favour of expressive, symbolic forms. The print captures the tension between traditional religious iconography and the emerging modern graphic style, making it a compelling study for those interested in the history of European poster art and the development of early modern design.