Marcus Atilius Regulus dræber en serpent i Afrika 1574

Tobias Stimmer made this image of Marcus Atilius Regulus slaying a serpent in Africa using woodcut, a relief printing process. The artist carves away the areas that will not be inked, leaving the design standing in relief. Here, the material—a block of wood—dictates much of the aesthetic. The linear quality, for instance, is a direct result of the tools used to cut the block and the inherent grain of the wood itself. See how the parallel lines create shading and volume? The relative ease of production meant woodcuts like this could be widely distributed, playing an important role in disseminating stories and information in the 16th century. It's fascinating to consider this print not just as an artwork but as a product of its time, reflecting both skilled handwork and a growing culture of mass communication. By recognizing the importance of materials, making, and context, we can move beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and appreciate the full richness of this dynamic image.