Confession 1460 - 1470

This image titled, “Confession”, was made anonymously using woodcut, a printmaking technique. The work's visual qualities are directly influenced by the nature of the wood and cutting process. A sharp tool was used to carve away areas of a wooden block, leaving the design standing in relief. Ink was then applied to the remaining surface and printed onto paper, resulting in bold lines and a textured surface, and then hand colored. This process allows for the relatively quick creation of multiple images, making it a popular medium for disseminating information and imagery to a wide audience. The social significance of this artwork lies in its accessibility, allowing for religious imagery and moral messages to reach a broad audience during a time of significant social and religious change. This contrasts with earlier, more laborious and individualized forms of art making. By emphasizing the materials, making, and social context, we understand “Confession” not just as an image, but as a product of its time, reflecting the changing dynamics of art, labor, and society.