Evangelist Lucas before 1648

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, *Evangelist Lucas*, around the early 17th century. Sichem’s medium—the woodcut—is key to understanding the print’s appearance. A ‘reductive’ process, woodcutting involves painstakingly carving away the negative space around the design, leaving only the lines that will hold ink. This process contrasts with the additive approach of drawing or painting. Look closely, and you'll notice that all the forms are defined by sharp, angular lines—a direct result of the woodcut's character. Beyond its visual impact, the woodcut's relatively low cost meant that images like this one could be widely circulated. Sichem was part of a vibrant printmaking industry, supplying affordable images to a growing market. Religious scenes, like this portrayal of Saint Luke, were particularly popular, offering both spiritual guidance and visual delight to a broad audience. The woodcut's accessibility challenges traditional hierarchies, bringing art and devotion into everyday life, and bridging the gap between artistic skill and social function.