The Massacre of the Innocents (Right side) with group of male figures attacking women and children; classical buildings in the background 1517

This woodcut, "The Massacre of the Innocents" by Domenico Campagnola, was created in the 16th century. The process of woodcutting, a relief printing technique, profoundly impacts this artwork. Campagnola would have meticulously carved his design into a block of wood, removing the areas he wanted to appear white. The remaining raised areas would then be inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the stark contrast and bold lines characteristic of woodcuts. The medium lends itself to dramatic storytelling, heightening the emotional intensity of the depicted scene. This method allowed for relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of images, making art accessible to a broader audience. The labor-intensive process of carving the block, in effect, mirrors the labor and social upheaval represented in the artwork. Appreciating the craft involved invites us to reflect on the relationship between art, production, and the wider world.