Boom met twee wapenschilden, aan elke zijde een tamboer 1695

This striking print was made by the widow Gijsbert de Groot, and it’s a great example of a woodcut, a process where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then printed onto paper. The material qualities of the woodblock strongly influence the print’s appearance. Notice the bold lines and flat areas of color which are typical of the technique. The lion rampant on the shield, the drummers with their instruments, and the stylized tree - all these elements are rendered with a graphic clarity. The production of a woodcut like this was labor-intensive, requiring the skills of a trained artisan to carve the block accurately. In its time, this method allowed for relatively quick production and dissemination of imagery, contributing to a wider visual culture. The print’s symbolism of heraldry, military figures, and accompanying text highlight its social context, offering insights into the values and concerns of the time. Considering the material, making, and context of this print encourages us to appreciate its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.