Kerkermeester 1573

Jost Amman created this print called ‘Kerkermeester’ using woodcut in the late 16th century. The composition is organised within an oval shape, framed by intricate decorations featuring cherubic figures. This design, in combination with its monochrome palette, creates a scene that feels both intimate and removed. The linear quality of the woodcut emphasises detail. Amman masterfully uses dense, cross-hatched lines to create depth and shadow, drawing our eyes to the staged scene. The characters on horseback and foot are depicted with precision, their weapons and attire sharply defined. The entire scene has a stage-like quality that prompts us to consider the roles and relationships of the characters involved. This staging suggests a world governed by spectacle and display, where power is asserted through ritualised actions and symbolic representation. The woodcut invites us to explore the structures of authority and how they influence society. By focusing on form and composition, we can better understand the complex ways in which this artwork communicates its messages.