Schoolklas c. 1681 - 1740

Isaac van der Vinne made this print of a classroom scene sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century, using a technique called woodcut. The process involves carving an image into a block of wood. The remaining raised surface is inked and then printed onto paper, creating the design. Here, the artist has skillfully cut away the wood to leave behind a network of fine lines, which describe the figures in the schoolroom. The way the scene is rendered using only stark black lines on a white background lends a striking simplicity to the overall image. Woodcut is one of the oldest printmaking techniques, going back centuries. It requires a patient hand and a deep understanding of the material. In this case, the process speaks to the importance of craft and skill in image-making. While not necessarily a fine art, prints like these were crucial in disseminating visual information in an age before photography. They remind us that artistic expression is not just about individual genius, but also about the social role of making.