Diogenes, seated before his barrel, reading from a book, a plucked hen standing behind him at right 1522 - 1532

Ugo da Carpi made this chiaroscuro woodcut of Diogenes sometime in the early 16th century. The printmaking technique involves using multiple woodblocks, each inked with a different tone, to create an image with strong contrasts of light and shadow. The material qualities of the woodblock are crucial here. The artist would have carefully carved away areas of the block to create a relief image, and the grain of the wood would have influenced the final print. The varying tones of ink add depth and volume to the figure of Diogenes, emphasizing his muscular form and the folds of his drapery. This printmaking method was innovative, and shows the artist's skill and labor. The process allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible. Ultimately, considering the materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of this artwork, and challenges the distinction between fine art and craft.