Ongelovige Tomas 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, Ongelovige Tomas, sometime before his death in 1658. The stark contrast achieved here through the physical removal of material exemplifies the labor-intensive process of woodcutting. Sichem meticulously carved away sections of a woodblock, leaving behind the lines that would define the image. This required immense skill and control, as each cut was final. The visual impact of the print relies heavily on the texture and directionality of these carved lines, giving depth and shadow to the scene. This printmaking technique allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible and spreading ideas more widely. Consider how the labor and skill involved in creating this print contrast with its function as a religious image, a vehicle for faith and doctrine. Sichem's woodcut reminds us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the physical work and material processes that bring it into being.