Het leven en bedrijf van Cartouche / Geradbraekt binne Parys den 18 november in het jaar 1721 1748 - 1761

This print, made by Abraham van der Putte around 1721, tells the story of Cartouche, a notorious French criminal, ending with his execution. It's made using woodcut, a relief printing technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The material itself, wood, lends a graphic quality to the images. The sharp lines and bold contrasts were achieved by carefully removing wood from the block, leaving the raised areas to catch the ink. This was skilled, painstaking work. Each scene required separate cuts, demanding a steady hand. Prints like these served as early forms of mass media, and were comparatively cheap. They played a crucial role in shaping public opinion about crime and punishment. The choice of woodcut, a relatively inexpensive medium, speaks to the wide audience this print was intended for. The artist would have relied on the assistance of an experienced printer, making the artwork a collaborative act. This work reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the product of specific materials, processes, and social contexts. Understanding these elements allows us to appreciate the full meaning of the artwork and, the historical context of 18th century Paris.