En kvinde sniger sig ud fra sovebriksen i et hus. Sagnmotiv 1827 - 1901

Rasmus Berthelsen made this print using woodcut, a process where an image is carved into a block of wood. This is a relief printing technique. The areas that remain raised hold ink, while the carved-away areas stay blank, creating stark contrasts. Looking closely, you can see how Berthelsen used parallel lines and cross-hatching to define forms and suggest depth. This required careful planning and a steady hand. The density of these marks determines the tonal range of the print, from light to dark. The labor-intensive nature of woodcut means each impression carries the mark of the artist's hand. Woodcut has a long history, often used for mass communication due to its relative simplicity. But in the hands of an artist like Berthelsen, it becomes a vehicle for powerful storytelling. This image hints at themes of vulnerability, secrecy, and perhaps even the social dynamics within a shared living space. Considering the process and the narrative, this print invites us to think about how traditional craft techniques can convey complex human stories. By valuing the 'making' as much as the 'image,' we gain a richer understanding of the artist's intent and the artwork's cultural resonance.