Portret van Justinus Göbler 1550

Claude Bezoard created this portrait of Justinus Göbler, using woodcut, a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into the surface of a wood block, leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. The character of the wood is evident in the final print; notice the linear quality and the level of detail achieved. Woodcut is one of the oldest printmaking techniques, requiring a certain level of skill and precision with carving tools, which influenced its aesthetic. The process necessitates an appreciation for the material itself. The artist had to consider the wood's grain and hardness as they carved, influencing the artwork's texture and overall appearance. The production process, while laborious, allowed for multiple impressions to be made, democratizing the image and making it accessible to a wider audience. This reflects broader issues of labor, politics, and consumption during the time this artwork was produced. Looking closely at the materials, making, and context, allows us to appreciate the artwork's full meaning, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.