Catherine von Bora 1525 - 1575

This portrait of Catherine von Bora was created by an anonymous artist using a woodcut technique. In this process, the artist carves an image into a block of wood, then applies ink to the raised surface and presses it onto paper. The distinctive quality of a woodcut lies in its bold, graphic nature. You can see the artist has used clear, deliberate cuts to define Catherine's features, her clothing, and the fur trim around her shoulders. The linear quality of the woodcut emphasizes the contours of her face and the textures of the materials. Woodcut was a relatively accessible and reproducible medium during the 16th century, which allowed for wider distribution of images and ideas. The choice of this medium suggests the desire to disseminate Catherine von Bora’s image broadly, reflecting her significance as a figure of the Reformation. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making of this artwork allows us to appreciate its historical and social context, and the significance of the figure portrayed.