Intocht in Jeruzalem 1629

This is a woodcut of ‘The Entry into Jerusalem,’ made by Christoffel van Sichem II, sometime before his death in 1658. The process of woodcutting involves carefully carving an image into a block of wood, then applying ink to the raised surface and pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist has used bold, graphic lines to create a sense of depth and movement. The stark contrast between black and white gives the scene a dramatic quality. Woodcuts like this were relatively inexpensive to produce, and could be printed in large numbers. They made art accessible to a wider audience, who were increasingly literate. The imagery reflects the society of the time, where religion played a central role in people's lives. The image is a testament to the enduring power of simple materials, skillful making, and accessible communication. It prompts us to reconsider the boundaries of art history.