Dimensions: height 111 mm, width 82 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This print, "Two silver trumpets are used to summon the community," was made by Christoffel van Sichem the Younger in the 17th century. It is a woodcut, a relief printing process where the artist carves an image into a block of wood, leaving the design raised. Ink is then applied to the raised surface and transferred to paper. The stark contrast of the ink on paper creates a graphic quality, emphasizing the lines and shapes of the composition. The act of carving demands simplification, resulting in bold outlines that communicate form and texture efficiently. Note the detailed rendering of clothing, architectural elements, and the instruments. As a means of mass production, woodcuts like this played a crucial role in disseminating information and imagery. This one depicts an everyday scene within a community, highlighting the relationship between art, labor, and the broader social context. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images can carry significant cultural weight.
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