Ongelijke liefde 1540 - 1567

This anonymous print, probably made in the Netherlands, uses woodcut and hand-applied color. These were techniques accessible to many printers, allowing for the mass production of images. Look closely, and you'll see broad outlines defining the figures of an old man and a younger woman. The flat application of color emphasizes the graphic nature of the image, rather than attempting realism. The story told here is one of unequal love, likely intended as a moral commentary. It is difficult to tell how long the production took, though it's part of a history of printing that relied on dividing tasks between draughtsmen, carvers, and printers, each with their own skill sets. These workers were part of a complex economic system, producing affordable images for a growing market. The very accessibility of this print underscores the rising power of consumer culture. Ultimately, this artwork speaks to the democratization of image-making, and reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can carry complex social meanings.