De aalmoes 1920

Johannes Frederik Engelbert ten Klooster made this print, titled "De aalmoes," using woodcut techniques. The stark contrast of black ink on paper immediately draws our attention to the graphic quality of the image. Woodcut is a relief printing process where the artist carves an image into the surface of a block of wood, leaving the design raised. Ink is then applied to the raised surface, and the image is transferred to paper. The process demands a deliberate engagement with the material. Ten Klooster would have needed sharp tools to carve away the wood, creating clean lines and bold shapes. Look closely, and you can see how the grain of the wood itself influences the texture of the print, adding depth and complexity. The labor-intensive nature of woodcut emphasizes the artist's hand in the creative process. Unlike industrial printing methods, each print is a unique artwork. By embracing this traditional craft, ten Klooster elevates what might otherwise be considered a mere reproduction to a work of art in its own right, reminding us of the value of skilled making.