Hoop 1502 - 1532

Ugo da Carpi made this print, titled 'Hoop,' using the chiaroscuro woodcut technique. This process involves using multiple woodblocks, each inked with a different tone, to create an image with a strong sense of light and shadow, simulating the effects of drawing on toned paper. Carpi was one of the first Italian printmakers to use this method, which allowed for a more painterly effect than traditional line engraving. Looking closely, you can see how the different blocks layer to give depth to the figure and landscape. The texture of the wood itself is evident, adding a tactile quality. Prints like these were relatively inexpensive to produce and made images widely available. Understanding the techniques of production helps us appreciate the ingenuity of artists like Carpi, who pushed the boundaries of what printmaking could achieve, democratizing artmaking practices.