The Annunciation 

Francesco Denanto created this image of the Annunciation sometime in the late 16th century, using a woodcut technique. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves an image into the surface of a block of wood, leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process of this artwork. The artist needed mastery of the tools and a deep understanding of the material. Woodcut is often associated with folk art and printmaking, and it allowed for the relatively inexpensive reproduction of images. In this piece we can see the textures and form achieved in the angel's wings, and the rich landscape viewed through the window in the background, adding a sense of depth and perspective. Understanding the materials, and the making process allows us to appreciate the skill and the historical and cultural context in which the artwork was created. It encourages us to see the broader implications of art production in society.