Vrouw uit Santander in Biscaie 1598

This print, titled "Vrouw uit Santander in Biscaie," was made by Christoph Krieger using a technique called woodcut. The artist would have used knives and gouges to carve an image into a block of wood, leaving a raised surface to hold ink, which was then printed onto paper. The resulting lines are crisp and graphic, lending a particular character to the depiction of this woman. The stark contrasts bring attention to her elaborate garments. Her layered robes and headwear likely signify her social standing, and the amount of work involved in producing such textiles would have been considerable, reflecting the labor and resources of the time. Woodcut, a relatively accessible method of reproduction, allowed for the wide distribution of images like this. By considering the materials, making, and context of this print, we gain a fuller understanding of its significance.