De kruis dood 1791 - 1812

This print, *De kruis dood*, was produced by Jacobus Thompson using a technique known as woodcut. Look closely and you will see how the bold lines of the image are typical of this process. The artist carves away the areas of a wood block that he *doesn't* want to print, leaving the lines standing in relief. These are then inked and pressed onto paper. The process is relatively simple and allows for multiple impressions, making it ideal for distributing images widely, particularly in a time before photography. The stark contrast between the black lines and the white paper gives the image a graphic quality. Although the paper shows signs of aging, its texture adds another dimension to the artwork. By understanding the material and method used to create this print, we gain insight into its original purpose and the culture that produced it. It's a reminder that art isn't just about the final image, but also about the materials, the making, and the context in which it was created.