Christus geneest een melaatse 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, titled ‘Christ Healing the Leper’, sometime in the early 17th century. Sichem worked in a well-established printmaking tradition. The process begins with a block of wood, usually a smooth hardwood like maple or cherry. Using specialized knives and gouges, the artist carves away the areas that will not hold ink, leaving a raised design. The block is then inked, and paper is pressed against it to create the print. This subtractive process lends itself to bold contrasts and graphic clarity. Notice how Sichem uses dense parallel lines to create shadows and textures. The stark black and white emphasizes the dramatic moment of healing, while the linear quality evokes a sense of depth and space. While printmaking was a reproductive technique, allowing for dissemination of images and ideas, it was also a highly skilled craft. Sichem's mastery of the medium is evident in the intricate details and expressive quality of this small but powerful work. It reminds us that even in a world of mass production, the hand of the artist still plays a vital role.