Houthakker 1573

"Houthakker" (Woodcutter) is a 1573 woodcut by the German Renaissance artist Jost Amman. The print, housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts a woodcutter in the center, his axe raised in a dramatic pose. The woodcutter is surrounded by fantastical figures and ornate flourishes that are characteristic of Amman's style. The figures, including a skull and other macabre elements, serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of work. This artwork, part of Amman's series of prints depicting various professions, exemplifies the artist's talent for capturing the essence of everyday labor.