Noli me tangere 1480 - 1503

This woodcut, "Noli me tangere," meaning "touch me not," was made by the Master of the Delbecq-Schreiber Passion. The medium of woodcut printmaking involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking the surface, and then pressing paper against it. The stark contrast between the cut and uncut areas gives it a graphic quality. This process, which makes the artwork reproducible, democratized images at a time when most art was exclusive to the wealthy. Consider the labor involved in carving the intricate lines of this piece, and the artist's skilled craftsmanship. It is a testament to the social and cultural significance of printmaking as a means of disseminating information and art to a wider audience. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. This humble yet powerful medium allowed for the mass production and consumption of art, reflecting broader societal shifts in labor, politics, and the economy.