Straatverkoper 1898

William Nicholson likely made this print, "Straatverkoper," sometime in the early 20th century, using woodcut. It’s a relatively simple process, requiring gouges to carve an image into a block of wood, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The directness of this method suits the subject perfectly: a street vendor, caught in a moment of entrepreneurial hustle. Notice how the stark contrasts between light and shadow, achieved through bold cuts, render the scene with immediate clarity. The rough texture of the wood adds a tactile quality, mirroring the vendor's own rough-and-tumble existence. The print’s graphic style speaks to a broader interest in democratized art forms. Woodcuts like this were relatively easy to produce and distribute, making art accessible beyond the elite circles of painting or sculpture. In this way, the artwork becomes a mirror of its own subject – someone trying to make a living, one impression at a time. Paying attention to materials, making, and context reminds us that art is always embedded in the world of labor, politics, and consumption.