Wagen getrokken door Chimaera 1895

Mathieu Lauweriks created this print, "Wagen getrokken door Chimaera", using woodcut, a process that has a long and rich history. Woodcut is a relief printing technique, in which the artist carves an image into the surface of a block of wood, leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. The impact of the carving is obvious when you look closely: Lauweriks used the stark contrast of black ink on paper to create a bold, graphic image. The texture of the wood itself influences the appearance of the print, and this adds depth and character. The image depicts the chimera pulling a carriage on a very stylized manner, showing great geometric sophistication. The labor-intensive nature of woodcut printing contrasts with the mass-produced images of the industrial age. By engaging with craft traditions, Lauweriks elevates the status of the print, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.