Susanna en de ouderlingen 1635 - 1694

Dirck de Bray created this tiny woodcut depicting Susanna and the Elders in the late 17th century. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves into a block of wood, removing the areas that will not receive ink. This leaves the design standing proud. When the block is inked and pressed onto paper, only the raised areas create the image. Notice how de Bray has used bold cuts to create strong contrasts of light and shadow. The hatched lines suggest depth and texture, particularly in the tree and the flowing water of the fountain. Woodcut has a long history, predating other printmaking techniques. It was often used for popular imagery because it’s relatively inexpensive. The medium lends itself to graphic simplicity, and is effective for conveying clear narratives. The labor is intensive and requires skill, but the results can be reproduced many times. Considering this print through the lens of its making allows us to appreciate not only the artist's skill, but also its broader role in the dissemination of stories and ideas in society.