Staande vrouw met lamp 1895

Mathieu Lauweriks made this small woodcut, "Standing Woman with Lamp," employing the stark contrast between the cut and uncut surface of the woodblock to delineate form. This is a relief printing process where the areas intended to show white are cut away, leaving the black lines standing in relief. The choice of wood as a material impacts the final appearance. The grain subtly shows through the printed image, adding texture. The process requires a sharp tool to carve away the wood, a skill demanding precision and control, with no room for error, as the cutaway parts cannot be restored. Lauweriks was deeply involved with the Amsterdam School, an architectural movement of the early 20th century, so it's not surprising that he chose to explore these qualities through the medium of woodcut, which resonated with their ideals of craftsmanship and the integration of art into everyday life. The labor-intensive process and the unique textural qualities inherent in the wood speak to a reaction against mass production and a celebration of artisanal skill.