Roofvogel 1662

Dirck de Bray created this small print, "Rooftogel" or "Bird of Prey," around 1662, using a technique called woodcutting. A woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into a block of wood, removing the areas that will not be inked. What remains is a raised design that takes the ink, and when pressed against paper, transfers the image. Look closely, and you'll see how the linework has a bold, graphic quality due to the nature of the wood and the tools used to cut it. Consider the labor involved; the artist had to carefully carve away the wood, requiring skill and precision. Also, think about the wider context. Prints like these were often produced in multiples and sold at relatively low cost, making art more accessible to a broader audience. So, next time you look at a print, remember to consider the materials, the making process, and the social context in which it was created. These things can open a new window into the artwork's meaning.