Pilate washing his hands, from The Passion 1472 - 1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder created this woodcut, "Pilate washing his hands," in the 16th century. Look closely, and you can see the marks of the wood grain, giving a tangible quality to the image. The fine lines were carved away with precision, leaving raised areas to catch the ink, a testament to the skill and labor involved. In its time, this reproductive technique was a relatively inexpensive way to produce images in multiples. Woodcuts like this weren't just about aesthetics. They were a means of disseminating ideas, reaching a broad audience during a time of religious and social upheaval. Cranach was closely associated with Martin Luther, and this image comes from a series about the Passion of Christ, reflecting this connection. The very act of printing was tied to the rise of commerce, making art accessible in ways never before imagined. So, next time you look at a print, remember it's not just an image, it’s a product of its time, deeply intertwined with the currents of labor, technology, and faith.