Kind praat tegen een gordijn waarachter zich een engel verschuilt 1628

This woodcut, “Kind praat tegen een gordijn waarachter zich een engel verschuilt”, was made by Christoffel van Sichem II, probably in the first half of the 17th century. The key thing about woodcut as a medium is that it’s a relief process. The artist carves away the areas they don’t want to print, leaving the design standing proud. It’s a relatively accessible technique, as the tools and materials are not too costly. The process demands a clear, bold design, and allows for multiple impressions to be made, meeting the growing demand for images during this period. Van Sichem’s expertise is evident in the intricate details of the angel and the textures he creates with simple lines. Woodcut was often seen as a humbler form of printmaking compared to engraving, but its graphic power is undeniable. This image serves as a reminder that all making carries cultural meaning.