Prøvetryk til Chr. Winthers A.B.C. 1863

This is H.P. Hansen’s 'Trial Print for Chr. Winther’s ABC' made with woodcut on paper. A relatively low-cost and easily mastered medium, the print is reminiscent of illustrations in children's books. The stark black lines are typical of woodcut prints. The artist likely carved away parts of a woodblock, leaving the lines of the image raised. Ink was then applied to the surface and the image transferred to paper. Note how the textures of the crocodile’s skin, the water, and the reeds, are achieved through different densities and directions of lines. This process invites us to consider the social context of the artwork: in the 19th century, the rise of industrial capitalism drove demand for affordable printed materials. Woodcut prints, like this one, became a common method to produce books, newspapers, and educational material for a growing reading public. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images are products of both artistic skill and broader economic forces.