David en Batseba 1645 - 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II made this woodcut print of David and Bathsheba in the 17th century. The choice of wood as a material is significant. Unlike the refined lines of an engraving, woodcuts like this one have a more graphic, even crude quality. The artist would have used knives and gouges to carve away the areas of the woodblock that would not receive ink, leaving the design raised. This process required both skill and physical labor. The bold, black lines and stark contrast create a dramatic scene, emphasizing the tension of the biblical narrative. The labor-intensive nature of woodcut printing allowed for relatively inexpensive reproduction, making images like these accessible to a wider audience. This reflects the increasing democratization of art in the early modern period, where printed images played a vital role in disseminating stories. When we consider the material and process of this work, it's clear that it bridges the worlds of fine art and craft, reflecting the social and cultural values of its time.