Tanhâ - Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel

A symbolic lithograph by Dutch designer Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, featuring geometric patterns and meditative motifs.

Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel was a Dutch architect and designer whose work often incorporated theosophical and occult symbolism. This lithograph, titled Tanhâ, reflects the artist's interest in Eastern philosophy, specifically the Buddhist concept of craving or thirst. The composition is highly structured, utilising a vertical format that emphasises symmetry and geometric order.

The central figure is rendered with clean, precise lines, typical of de Bazel's graphic output. The face is framed by a series of repeating, angular patterns that create a sense of rhythmic movement. Circular motifs, marked with cross-like symbols, appear on the forehead and ears of the figure, suggesting a connection to meditative or spiritual states. Below the main portrait, a smaller, darker figure is enclosed within a circular frame, providing a contrast in both tone and scale. This secondary element adds a layer of mystery to the work, grounding the ethereal quality of the upper portion.

De Bazel's approach to this piece demonstrates his ability to synthesise diverse cultural influences into a cohesive visual language. The use of line is deliberate and controlled, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a clear, symbolic narrative. The work is printed on a textured paper, which adds a tactile quality to the monochrome image. As a representative example of Dutch Symbolism, the print invites contemplation rather than immediate interpretation. It is a study in balance, where the interplay of light and dark, as well as the geometric and the organic, creates a sense of equilibrium. The print is a fine example of the graphic arts produced during the late nineteenth century, reflecting a period when artists sought to express abstract concepts through stylised, non-naturalistic forms.