Saint Peter 1480 - 1490

This image of Saint Peter was made by an anonymous artist, using woodcut and watercolor on paper. The process begins with carving the image into a block of wood. Ink is applied to the raised surface, and then pressed onto paper. Watercolor is then applied to add color to the print. The material of the wood lends the image a graphic quality, with bold lines and flat areas of color. This aesthetic relates to the function of the image, as a means of disseminating religious imagery to a wide audience. Woodcut is a relatively inexpensive process, allowing for mass production. The application of watercolor adds a personal touch, but also requires skilled labor. In its time, the act of printing and coloring was divided into a series of tasks. These tasks reveal much about the social context of the image. It blurs the line between fine art and craft, with its emphasis on both artistic skill and industrial production. By considering the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper understanding of the full meaning of this work.