Urged by Fürwittig, Theurerdanck Tries to Manipulate a Polishing Stone, from Theurerdanck 1517

This woodcut, made by Hans Schäufelein around 1517, is one of many illustrations for the book "Theuerdanck." It shows the protagonist attempting to manipulate a large polishing stone. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves away the areas that should remain white, leaving a raised surface to hold the ink. Schäufelein would have used specialized knives and gouges to achieve the fine lines and details. The texture of the wood grain is subtly visible, adding depth to the print. The process is labor-intensive, requiring skill and precision. Woodcut was a popular method for book illustration and dissemination of information, as it allowed for relatively quick reproduction compared to hand-copying texts. The very nature of the medium, with its graphic clarity and potential for repeated impressions, speaks to a wider social context of increasing literacy and the spread of knowledge in the early 16th century. Considering the materials, making, and context allows a deeper understanding, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.