Kroning van Maria 17th century

This tiny print, 'Kroning van Maria', was made anonymously using a woodblock. Look closely, and you’ll see that the image is made up of many fine lines, all carefully carved into the surface of the wood. Ink would have been applied to the block, and then paper pressed against it to transfer the image. The resulting print has a slightly rough, tactile quality due to the natural grain of the wood. The artist’s skill lies in their ability to create depth and detail using only these lines. Notice how the figures seem to emerge from the background. This was no easy task, and would have required great precision and control. Prints like these would have been relatively inexpensive to produce, making them accessible to a wide audience. The act of reproducing images democratized art, connecting labor, politics, and consumption. This challenges traditional notions of fine art and craft, reminding us that the value of an artwork lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its social and cultural context.