Jongeman met een veren hoed 1613

This is ‘Young Man with a Feathered Hat’, made in 1613 by Christoffel van Sichem the First. It's a woodcut, meaning the image is printed from a block of wood, carefully carved to leave a raised surface. The fine lines and intricate detail, especially in the feathered hat and the young man’s hair, show incredible skill. Woodcut is an old technique, but it’s also one that demands a real understanding of the material. The artist had to know exactly how the wood would respond to the cuts, and how the ink would sit on the surface. What's so striking about this print is the sheer amount of work that went into it. Every line, every curve, had to be painstakingly carved by hand. Think about the labor involved, the hours spent with sharp tools and a steady hand. This piece isn't just a picture; it’s a testament to the artist's dedication and mastery of their craft. It really challenges us to think about the value we place on skill and labor in art.