Heiligen Johannes en Petrus 1502 - 1532

Ugo da Carpi made this chiaroscuro woodcut of Saints John and Peter in Italy around the early 16th century. The Italian Renaissance was steeped in religious imagery and the classical revival, and this print exemplifies both. Ugo's print is fascinating because it points to the rise of printmaking as a form of art, in itself. At the time, printmaking was often seen as a mere reproductive medium, useful for disseminating images of paintings. But Ugo da Carpi was among the first to experiment with the expressive possibilities of the woodcut. Note that the dramatic lighting and tonality create depth and volume. The image itself blends the classical style of the figures with Christian iconography. Understanding this print means considering its place within the history of printmaking and the socio-religious context of its time. By examining the print itself, as well as period documents and artistic treatises, we can better understand its historical meaning. This approach emphasizes that the meaning of art is inseparable from its social and institutional context.