David and Goliath 1515 - 1525

Ugo da Carpi made this print of David and Goliath sometime in the early 16th century, using a process called chiaroscuro woodcut. This was a relatively new technique at the time, involving the use of multiple woodblocks, each inked with a different tone, to create a layered image with strong contrasts of light and shadow. The way that da Carpi printed this work influenced its appearance, particularly its depth and dramatic intensity. You can see the different layers of tone that da Carpi used to build up the image, creating a sense of volume and texture. By using this method, da Carpi was emulating the effects of drawing. The process required careful registration of the blocks, and a skilled printer to apply the ink evenly and create a clean impression. In its time, printmaking was considered a craft, but as you can see here, it has always been capable of extraordinary artistry.