Schoolmeester c. 18th century

This anonymous print, titled 'Schoolmeester,' was made using woodcut, a relief printing technique. Notice how the graphic quality of the print stems directly from the way it was made: the artist carved away the areas that wouldn't receive ink, leaving the lines and shapes to stand in relief. The stark contrast and the slightly rough texture are characteristic of this process. The use of woodcut, a relatively accessible printmaking method, suggests a desire to reach a broad audience, perhaps to comment on education or social roles. The image displays the scene of a schoolroom. The dark lines delineate the forms of the figures. The crude implementation of the objects might refer to the relatively lower social status of the illustrated children. Looking at 'Schoolmeester' through the lens of its making allows us to appreciate the inherent qualities of the medium and its connection to social context. It's a reminder that the choice of material and process is never neutral; it's always imbued with meaning.