Pauw in landschap 1892 - 1940

Henri Verstijnen made this woodcut titled 'Pauw in landschap'. The process of woodcut is a relief printing technique, where the artist carves away the areas that should not be inked, leaving the design standing in relief. In this instance, the striking contrast of the bird and flora against the dark background is achieved through the meticulous removal of wood, which required planning, precision, and control. The linear quality, the texture, and the black-and-white contrast are all inherent qualities of the woodcut medium, and contribute to its aesthetic impact. Woodcut is associated with printmaking, and has been used in numerous ways, from mass-produced images to artistic prints. The amount of work and skill required for a print such as this demands consideration of the artistic value of the artwork. Considering the ways in which materials, making, and context interplay helps us understand the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.