Laatste Avondmaal before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II made this small woodcut of the Last Supper sometime in the 17th century. Its appearance results directly from the labor-intensive process involved. Sichem would have painstakingly carved away the wood around each line to create a relief pattern. When inked and pressed, the remaining raised areas create the image you see. Notice the density of lines, especially in the darker areas. This is achieved through close, parallel cuts. The texture of the wood itself may also subtly influence the print, adding a tactile dimension. While seemingly simple, this print represents a fusion of technical skill and artistic vision, and invites us to consider the value of time and focused effort in creating an enduring image. By understanding the process and material, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork's meaning and its place in the history of both art and craft.