The Crazy Old Man (Book V: Pro and Contra, facing p.206) 1949

Fritz Eichenberg created this wood engraving to illustrate Dostoevsky's novel, "The Brothers Karamazov." Wood engraving demands meticulous work, especially the end-grain method Eichenberg employed. He used a very hard block of wood, and cut into it with fine tools called burins. Imagine the labor involved in achieving the detailed lines that define this elderly character, the floorboards, and even the subtle shading of his coat! The contrast between light and shadow, achieved through varied cutting depths, enhances the dramatic tension. Eichenberg elevates a 'low' material, wood, to create sophisticated art. His choice underscores the dignity of labor, reflecting the struggles of ordinary people, perhaps mirroring themes within Dostoevsky's novel itself. By appreciating the labor-intensive process behind this print, we recognize Eichenberg's skill and the inherent value in craft, challenging any rigid divide between art and other forms of making.