Procession of the Counts and Countess of Holland on Horseback: Mary of Burgundy, Maximilian I, Philip the Fair, and Charles V 1518

This is a woodcut print, made in the Netherlands around 1516 by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into a block of wood, removing the areas that will not be printed. The remaining raised surface is inked and then pressed onto paper. Here, the stark contrast between the black ink and the white paper gives the image a graphic quality. The lines are crisp and clear, defining the figures of Mary of Burgundy, Maximilian I, Philip the Fair, and Charles V on horseback. Notice how the artist has used closely spaced parallel lines to create areas of shading, adding depth and volume to the figures and their garments. Woodcut was a relatively inexpensive and accessible medium, making it ideal for the widespread dissemination of images and ideas. Prints like these played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting political agendas. This print celebrates the lineage of the Counts and Countesses of Holland, emphasizing their power and legitimacy. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple materials and processes can be used to create powerful and enduring statements.