Protestantse kerk 1635 - 1694

Dirck de Bray made this print of a Protestant church in the Netherlands sometime in the late 17th century. He worked in woodcut, a relief printing process where an image is carved into a block of wood, and the raised areas are inked and pressed onto paper. Consider how the nature of wood as a material has influenced the appearance of the work. Notice the stark contrast between black and white, and the bold lines defining the architecture and figures. This reflects the way the wood resists the cutting tool, and the directness of the printing process. Woodcut was a popular medium for disseminating images and information in a pre-industrial age, because it allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. De Bray's choice of this medium speaks to a desire to reach a broad audience. This print offers us a glimpse into the social and cultural context of the time, reflecting both religious life and the democratization of images. So, the next time you encounter a print, remember that the choice of materials and making process is a vital part of the artwork's meaning and impact.