De apostel Andreas 1518 - 1550

This print of the apostle Andrew was made by an anonymous artist, using a technique called woodcut. This is a relief printing process, meaning that the artist carves away the areas that should remain white, leaving the lines that will hold ink raised on the surface of the block. Looking closely, you can see the mark of the knife in the crisp lines of the image. The texture of the wood itself also subtly influences the final print. Woodcut is a relatively accessible technique, and this lends a democratic feel to the image. The lines are bold and clear, lacking the refinement of an etching or engraving. This unpretentious quality suited its purpose. Prints like this were often produced in multiples and sold inexpensively, allowing for the widespread dissemination of religious imagery. It is a reminder that art doesn't always have to be about rarefied materials and techniques. Sometimes, the most powerful messages are conveyed through simple, accessible means.