Scriptura en de mens before 1499

This is an early print, Scriptura en de mens, made with woodcut, with the page itself made of paper. Think of the labor involved. First, someone had to draw the composition in great detail. Then, a block cutter would have meticulously carved away the wood around those lines, leaving a raised surface that would take the ink. Finally, the block would be inked and pressed onto the paper. Look closely, and you can see the slightly irregular impression, which gives the print its distinctive character. Prints like this one were relatively affordable, and they played a crucial role in disseminating information and ideas. They democratized access to images, breaking down the monopoly that painting and sculpture once held. Here, the very material of the print is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. So next time you see a print, remember that it represents more than just an image, it's a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the people who made it possible.