The Magi c. 1910

Christian Rohlfs created this woodcut, “The Magi,” using a plank of wood and a set of carving tools. It’s a relief print, meaning that the areas that print in black are the raised parts of the woodblock. The stark contrast emphasizes the rough texture of the wood grain, which Rohlfs has exploited to give the image a raw, expressive quality. Look closely, and you’ll see that the artist has used decisive gouges and lines to define the figures and their drapery. This direct approach to the material allowed Rohlfs to capture the emotional intensity of the biblical scene. Woodcut is an old technique, but it had a resurgence in the early 20th century as artists sought to break away from academic traditions and embrace more direct, hands-on methods. By emphasizing the labor involved in the production process, and by choosing a humble material like wood, Rohlfs imbued his image with a sense of authenticity, aligning himself with both the spiritual subject matter and the broader social concerns of his time. This reminds us that art is not just about what is depicted, but how it is made.