A refined lithograph by Dutch artist Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel, featuring a woman and child rendered with the linear elegance of the Art Nouveau movement.

This lithograph by Karel Petrus Cornelis de Bazel displays the stylistic leanings of the Dutch Art Nouveau period, often referred to as Nieuwe Kunst. De Bazel, a versatile architect and designer, frequently employed a restrained, geometric approach to his graphic work. The composition features a woman holding a child, rendered with a focus on linear clarity rather than naturalistic volume. The figures are set against a decorative background of repeating floral motifs, which flattens the pictorial space and emphasises the two-dimensional quality of the print.

The artist uses a limited palette of black ink on cream paper, allowing the stark contrast to define the forms. The woman and child are depicted in profile, a choice that lends a sense of stillness and timelessness to the scene. The clothing of the child is marked by a central floral emblem, while the woman's attire features subtle geometric borders. The top and bottom of the print are framed by distinct decorative bands, further reinforcing the ornamental nature of the design. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, typical of the Symbolist influences present in de Bazel's work during this period.

De Bazel was deeply interested in theosophy and the search for universal harmony, which often manifested in his art through symmetry and balanced proportions. This print reflects his ability to synthesise architectural precision with delicate graphic illustration. The work is not merely a portrait but a carefully constructed arrangement of shapes and patterns. It demonstrates the artist's skill in creating a cohesive visual language that bridges the gap between fine art and decorative design. The inclusion of the R.M.V.S. stamp indicates its provenance within the Rijksmuseum collection, confirming its status as a significant example of Dutch graphic art from the turn of the twentieth century.