Titel van de Festa della Sensa (tweede gedeelte) 1697

This is the second section of Jost Amman's 16th-century print dedicated to Venice's Festa della Sensa, made using woodcut on paper. The black ink is deposited on the page through the relief process, and the success of the print relies on the cutter's mastery of the material. A skilled hand is required to translate the design onto the block, carving away the negative space to leave behind the raised areas that will hold the ink. Considered as a ‘lesser’ art, printmaking relies on the skilled labor and knowledge of the artisans who transferred designs onto wood blocks, and then operated the printing presses. The production and distribution of prints played a significant role in shaping public opinion, and disseminating visual information during the early modern period. This work invites us to recognize the artistry and ingenuity inherent in the production of printed images, and to acknowledge the value of craftsmanship in shaping our understanding of the world.