Christus aan het kruis 1648 - 1657

Christoffel van Sichem II created this small woodcut, "Christus aan het kruis," using a painstaking process of carving an image into a block of wood. The fine lines you see are the result of removing the wood around them, leaving only the raised lines to catch the ink. Considering its material influence, the stark contrast between light and shadow, is a direct result of the woodcut technique. The act of carving itself, demanding patience and precision, imbues the image with a sense of gravitas. Woodcuts like this were relatively accessible at the time. They allowed for the mass production of images, and their distribution to a wide audience. In that way, the work connects to broader issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The labor-intensive nature of woodcutting is also important. It's a craft that bridges the gap between art and the wider world of making. By focusing on the materials, the making process, and the social context, we can appreciate the full meaning of this small but powerful work, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.