Old Marblehead 1949

Shirley Thomson Hadley made this print, called ‘Old Marblehead,’ using a technique called wood engraving. This is a relief printing process, meaning that the artist carves away the parts of the block that will not hold ink, leaving the design raised on the surface. The block is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The appearance of the print is directly influenced by the nature of the wood and the tools used to carve it. You can almost feel the texture of the wood grain and see the marks left by the engraving tools. The fine lines and intricate details suggest a patient and meticulous process, requiring both skill and time. Wood engraving has a long history, connected with both fine art and commercial printing. The amount of work involved in creating a wood engraving like this speaks to the artist’s commitment. By considering the material, the making, and the cultural context, we can appreciate the full meaning of the artwork, and move beyond traditional distinctions between art and craft.