Christ on the Cross 1490

This work, Christ on the Cross, is an early example of printmaking, made by an anonymous artist. It was created using a woodblock, where the image is carved into the wood's surface, then inked and pressed onto paper. The stark contrast between the lines and the ground shapes the emotional impact of the image. The deliberate cuts and gouges into the wood are what gives the print its distinctive texture. Now, consider the labor involved in its creation. Woodblock printing requires intense labor, with a skilled artisan spending hours carving the image in reverse. Then, each print pulled would take time. These prints are made to be distributed widely, and are a part of a developing economy of images. Ultimately, the work challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry and skill involved in its production, and to consider the social context that shaped its creation.