Hooiers en een maaier werkend op het land 18th century

This woodcut, made around 1515 by the artist known as Monogrammist SM, presents us with a slice of 16th-century agricultural life. The image is small, yet the scene it depicts is monumental: workers harvesting and stacking hay in a field. The materiality of this work begins with the wood block itself, likely a dense hardwood chosen for its ability to hold fine detail under the blade of a knife. This technique involves the careful removal of wood from the block’s surface, leaving behind the lines that would eventually define the image. The act of carving is labor-intensive, demanding a steady hand and deep knowledge of the material. The artist has a keen eye for detail. This woodcut captures the essence of manual labor and the intimate relationship between humans and the land. It reflects a world where the pace of life was dictated by the seasons and the rhythms of agricultural work. By understanding the materials and processes behind this woodcut, we gain insight into the artist's world. It reminds us that even the simplest images can be rich with meaning.