Boetvaardige H. Maria Magdalena 1589 - 1659

This print, *Boetvaardige H. Maria Magdalena*, was made by Christoffel van Sichem II in the early 17th century. Sichem worked as a woodcutter, a process that involved carving an image into a block of wood, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist used the sharp edge of his tools to create a network of fine lines. These describe the figure of Mary Magdalene, as well as the surrounding forest with its dense foliage, and the skull at her feet. Woodcutting was a laborious process, demanding both technical skill and artistic vision. Sichem has masterfully used the medium to convey a sense of depth and texture. In his time, prints were a means of disseminating images widely. The relatively low cost of woodcuts meant that they were accessible to a broad audience. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of this printed image.