Illustration til Svend Grundtvig, "Marsk Stig: Dansk Folkevise Fra 13de Aarhundrede", 1861 1861

Constantin Hansen made this illustration in 1861, using ink on paper. This wasn't just any ink drawing, it was made as a wood engraving, which is a relief printing technique. Hansen likely drew directly onto a block of wood, then used specialized tools to carve away the areas that should remain white in the final print. The remaining raised areas would hold the ink. This is a painstaking and laborious process. The fine lines and details you see here are a testament to the artist's skill and patience, and the engraver's craft. The graphic quality of wood engraving was particularly suited to the reproduction of images in books and periodicals. The lines create tone, and the density of the lines gives the image its character. The nature of the material, wood, imposes a certain structure, and the need to carve gives definition to the overall result. Hansen’s print shows how this ancient craft could be adapted to modern ends.