Sailboats with Moon (Segelboote mit Mond) 1919

Lyonel Feininger's "Sailboats with Moon" is a woodcut, made by carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing it onto paper. The stark contrast between the black ink and the pale paper emphasizes the bold, angular shapes of the sailboats and the moon. This technique, known as woodcut, is an old one, but it was also a favorite among early 20th century artists. Consider the labor involved: each line, each shape, was painstakingly carved by hand. The image reflects a connection to the sea and a fascination with the simple, sturdy forms of the boats. Woodcut, unlike the smoother textures of painting, lends itself to abstraction. The direct, physical process gives the print a raw, honest quality. In Feininger's hands, the traditional craft of woodcut becomes a vehicle for modern expression. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can break down the old barriers between fine art and craft.