Vrouw met kind 1850 - 1907

This is Willem Bernardus IJzerdraat’s “Vrouw met kind,” or “Woman with Child,” a woodcut print. The stark contrast between the black ink and the white paper creates a powerful image. To achieve this, IJzerdraat would have used special carving tools to remove sections of a woodblock, leaving the design raised. The block would then be inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Woodcut is a relatively accessible medium, compared to say, oil painting. The materials are inexpensive, and while the carving requires skill, it is a direct process. The bold lines and graphic quality of the woodcut lend themselves to conveying strong emotions and social messages. Here, the simplified forms and contrasting tones emphasize the tender bond between mother and child. By engaging with printmaking, IJzerdraat democratized his art, making it available to a wider audience. This contrasts with the traditional art world, which often catered to an elite clientele. So, when you look at this print, consider not only the image it portrays, but also the social context in which it was made.