Prediking van Christus c. 1530

Lucas van Leyden created this small woodcut, Prediking van Christus, sometime in the early 16th century. Woodcut is a relief printing process, where the artist carves away the negative space around an image on a block of wood. Ink is then applied to the raised surface and transferred to paper. In this case, the woodcut has been hand-colored, adding layers of visual information. Look closely, and you'll notice the varying line weights and textures achieved through the carving process. These fine details enhance the expressiveness of the figures and their garments. The act of creating a woodcut is labor-intensive, demanding skill and precision. It involves a deep understanding of materials, process and the ways in which these influence the final image. By focusing on the materiality and making of this work, we can appreciate how it transcends conventional notions of both fine art and craft, opening a richer understanding of its cultural and historical significance.