Mozes huwt Sippora 1645 - 1740

This print, depicting Moses marrying Zipporah, was made by Christoffel van Sichem II in the 17th century. The primary material is wood, worked through the technique of woodcutting. The image’s stark black and white contrast is characteristic of this process. Sichem would have used a sharp knife to carve away the areas of the woodblock that he wanted to appear white in the final print, leaving the raised areas to receive the ink. This labour-intensive method allowed for the creation of multiple reproductions, making the story accessible to a wider audience. The texture and grain of the wood itself contributes to the print's aesthetic, giving it a tactile quality that contrasts with the smooth, uniform surface of a modern print. The level of detail achieved speaks to Sichem's skill as a craftsman, as does the distribution of the image across the plate, demonstrating his careful management of labor, materials, and image. This print reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the result of complex material processes and cultural contexts.