Title Border with Man in Armor in Center 1513

Hans Baldung created this woodcut, titled "Title Border with Man in Armor in Center," at an unknown date. The technique of woodcut is relatively simple: the artist carves an image into a block of wood, then inks and prints it. But achieving this level of detail requires exceptional skill. Look closely, and you’ll see a myriad of tiny, precisely placed lines. The figures bordering the central image of the knight create a sense of lively chaos, contrasting with the rigid figure in the center. The way the wood accepts or resists the blade, the control of pressure, and the registration of the print all contribute to the final result. The image's success also rests on the close collaboration between the artist and the printmaker, each bringing their expertise to the table. In its time, printmaking was not considered a ‘fine art,’ yet, in this instance, it served as a crucial means of disseminating powerful images across society.