Engel in de wolken 1781 - 1809

John B. Skippe made this print of an angel in the clouds using chiaroscuro woodcut, a process that yields dynamic tonal contrasts. Unlike traditional engraving, where lines are cut into a metal plate, Skippe built up this image using multiple woodblocks. Each block would have been carved to represent different shades of color. When printed in succession, these layers create depth and volume in the image, almost like a painting. This allowed Skippe to produce prints with rich textures that mimic the softness of clouds and the ethereal glow of the angel. The technique itself reflects a moment in art history when printmaking was gaining prominence. It allowed artists to reproduce images more efficiently than painting, contributing to the spread of artistic ideas. Ultimately, understanding the labor-intensive process of chiaroscuro woodcut gives us a new appreciation for the skill and ingenuity that Skippe brought to this seemingly simple depiction of an angel.