Tekstblad bij de prent van het visioen van de ondergang van Spanje, ca. 1630

Around 1630, an anonymous artist produced this news sheet to spread word of Spain's impending doom. The print is made from a woodblock, the most common medium for mass communication at the time. Consider how the artist utilized the inherent qualities of wood—its relative softness, its grain, and the way it accepts ink—to produce this highly detailed work. The image was carved into the block, likely by a trained artisan. These artisans belonged to a robust network of workshops, part of the engine driving capitalism. The artist's skill is evident, yet the means of production allowed for widespread distribution, cheapening the perceived value of each individual print. The labor invested in the production process and the materials used directly influenced its form and availability, embodying the social and cultural significance of the artwork. The reliance on these materials and traditional making techniques challenges the conventional hierarchy of art and craft.