Rouwdracht uit Bayonne 1562

This image, made by François Desprez sometime between 1500 and 1600, is a woodcut representing mourning attire from Bayonne. The figure is defined by the linear marks incised into the woodblock, a process requiring careful control and a sharp cutting tool to achieve the contrasting hatched effect that simulates shading and depth. Woodcuts, unlike engravings, necessitate the removal of large areas around the lines, leaving the design raised. This is a laborious process that often involves teams of artisans, pointing to a system of labor and production. The stark contrast between the ink and paper further emphasizes the heavy, enveloping fabric, underscoring the somber mood associated with mourning. Consider how the very material and method employed—wood and carving—contribute to the image's solemnity and graphic impact. By attending to such processes, we recognize the intersection of craft, art, and social context, highlighting the importance of modes of production in our understanding of cultural artifacts.