Sluitvignet met langpootmug 1893

This is a woodcut of a mosquito made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, we don't know exactly when. The making of woodcuts is a labor-intensive process. The artist first carves an image into a block of wood, then applies ink to the raised surface, and finally presses paper against the block to transfer the image. This process allows for the creation of multiple impressions, making it a key technology in the history of mass production and distribution. The mosquito design, with its stark lines and flattened perspective, is well-suited to the woodcut technique. Dijsselhof embraced a craft-based approach, emphasizing the hand-made quality of the print. The artist likely saw in the humble medium of woodcut a means of democratizing art, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the traditional elite. In doing so, Dijsselhof elevated craft to the level of fine art, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world.