Courtisane uit Rome in de tijd van paus Pius V 1598

This print, "Courtisane uit Rome in de tijd van paus Pius V," by Christoph Krieger, likely dates from the late 16th century. It is made using the process of woodcut, where an image is carved into a block of wood, leaving raised areas to take ink and transfer the design onto paper. The stark black lines of the woodcut give a tremendous amount of visual information. The print's linear quality defines the figure and the heavy drapery, and also shapes the elaborate borders that frame the central image. This contrast adds a sense of depth and texture, inviting us to consider the social position of the woman depicted, and the setting in which she lived. The texture is rough and tactile, with visible marks of the carving tool, and the linear patterns speak to the skill of the artist, but also the labor involved in its production. This image is a product of its time, tied to wider issues of representation, class, and the consumption of images in early modern Europe. By understanding the materials and processes behind its creation, we gain a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance.