Ongetrouwde jonge vrouw uit Granada 1598

This image, entitled *Ongetrouwde jonge vrouw uit Granada*, or "Unmarried Young Woman from Granada," was made by Christoph Krieger. The image is a woodcut, a relief printmaking technique. In this method, the artist carves an image into the surface of a block of wood, leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. The block is then inked and pressed onto paper. Woodcut is known for its bold, graphic style, with strong lines and areas of solid color or shading. The artist has skillfully used line to create textures, patterns, and tonal variations. The image speaks to the cultural context in which it was made, reflecting the fashion, and social norms of Granada. In particular, the depiction of the "unmarried young woman" could reflect ideas about gender, status, and identity. The very act of carving the woodblock reflects a specific kind of labour, requiring patience and hand-eye coordination. Appreciating the skill and time involved in this manual process is part of understanding the work's value. Woodcut is more than just a means of image-making; it is a deeply historical practice tied to labour, materiality, and cultural context.