Titelblad Nieuwe Testament Possibly 1530

This is the title page of the New Testament made around 1530 by Jan Swart van Groningen, using woodcut printmaking techniques. Observe how the composition is structured around a central block of text, which is itself framed by smaller, narrative scenes. The density of the lines and the contrast between black and white create a visually rich, almost overwhelming effect, typical of Northern Renaissance prints. Note how the artist uses variations in line thickness and density to create a sense of depth. The artwork destabilizes the traditional, illuminated manuscript format by democratizing access through print, yet it retains a sense of the sacred through its ornamental borders and symbolic imagery. The form of the artwork serves not just an aesthetic purpose but is integral to the religious and intellectual discourse of the time.