Kindermoord te Betlehem 1544

This ‘Kindermoord te Betlehem’, or Massacre of the Innocents, is a print made by Monogrammist NDB. This is a chiaroscuro woodcut, printed from multiple blocks to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This technique, popular in the 16th century, would involve the manual carving of the blocks. Wood is a material that demands patience and precision. Each line and form is carefully incised, revealing the artist's hand in the final impression. The monochrome palette underscores the grim subject matter. It echoes the era’s widespread conflicts and religious tensions. The medium is an important choice, giving accessibility to a wider audience through this reproduction, while the work of physically making this artwork would involve specialized labor and skill. Consider the interplay between the artist's craft, the print's dissemination, and its reflection of tumultuous times. It blurs the boundaries between artistic expression, social commentary, and skilled trades.