Wagen met Chimaera 1895 - 1935

Mathieu Lauweriks made this print, Wagen met Chimaera, using a technique called woodcut. It's a relief printing process, meaning the artist carves away the areas that won't hold ink, leaving the design raised on the woodblock's surface. Look closely at the stark contrast between black and white, which emphasizes the design's graphic quality. The linear precision achieved through the woodcut process results in the strong geometric patterns and stylized forms. The hard, dense material of the woodblock allows for sharp lines and bold shapes, defining the composition. This technique, rooted in craft, requires both artistic vision and skilled labor, demonstrating a connection to broader social issues of production. It challenges traditional art distinctions by highlighting the value of skilled handwork and the importance of material qualities in visual expression.