Bondgenootschap tussen David en Jonatan 1645 - 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II made this woodcut, Bondgenootschap tussen David en Jonatan, using a relief printing technique. The process involved carving away the negative space of the design from a block of wood, leaving the image to be printed raised. Look closely and you can see the texture of the wood grain. Its linear character defines the composition, from the brick wall to the leaves on the trees. Sichem's skill with the burin is evident in the rendering of depth and shadow, creating contrast between the figures and the landscape, and in the detail of the figures' clothing and expressions. Woodcut was a key medium for disseminating information in the early modern period. Its relatively low cost and ease of production meant that images could be widely distributed, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Appreciating the craft involved, allows us to see the historical context in which this image was made and circulated. The choice of woodcut, rather than a more refined medium like engraving, speaks to its accessibility and the intention to reach a broad audience.