Maria en Kind met Anna en Jozef 1511

Hans Baldung created this print, “Maria en Kind met Anna en Jozef,” using woodcut, a technique dating back to the 6th century. Look closely, and you'll see that Baldung has meticulously carved away sections of a wood block, leaving a raised design. This is inked and then printed, a process demanding immense skill and patience. The stark contrast between the cut and untouched surfaces creates dramatic light and shadow. The linear quality of the image is a direct result of the artist's careful cuts with his tools, as well as his mastery over the wood's grain. The technique itself invites contemplation on labor and production. Each line represents hours of painstaking work, and each impression is a product of this intense physical effort. Beyond its religious subject, the artwork reflects the economic realities of its time, where craft was deeply intertwined with daily life and devotional practice. So, as you observe this print, consider the immense labor involved in its creation, and its connection to the broader history of craft, skill, and social context.