David onthoofdt Goliat 1502 - 1532

Ugo da Carpi made this print of David slaying Goliath in the early 16th century, using a process called chiaroscuro woodcut. Instead of using a single block, which would yield just a linear design, da Carpi cut several blocks. Each one printed a different tone, creating a layered effect much like a drawing. Note the ochre color. This wasn't just printed on the surface, but infused into the paper. This means that the paper itself becomes part of the image. It took immense skill to align each block perfectly. This wasn't just reproductive printmaking; it was a creative act in its own right. Woodcuts like this were relatively inexpensive to produce. This allowed for wider distribution of imagery, at a time when art was largely the preserve of the wealthy. This print democratized access to visual narratives, bringing biblical scenes like this to a broader audience. Considering its material and making reminds us that art is not just about the image, but the means of its production and distribution.