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Frans Masereel (1889–1972) was a Belgian painter and graphic artist best known for his socially and politically charged woodcuts and wordless novels, particularly Passionate Journey. Born in Blankenberge, Belgium, he grew up in Ghent, where his stepfather’s socialist ideals influenced his lifelong interest in justice and labor issues.
Masereel studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under Jean Delvin and was inspired by Russian anarchist literature. Early travels to England and Germany led him to create his first etchings and woodcuts. During World War I, as a pacifist, he refused military service and lived in Switzerland, working as an illustrator for journals.
After the war, he contributed to the Belgian magazine Lumière (1919), helping to revive interest in wood engraving alongside “De Vijf” (“The Five”) — a group of artists instrumental in introducing Expressionism to Belgium.