Zecharja wordt gestenigd 1645 - 1740

This print, titled 'Zecharja wordt gestenigd', or Zechariah is stoned, was made by Christoffel van Sichem II. The technique used here is woodcut, a relief printing method where 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. The choice of wood as a material profoundly influences the artwork's aesthetic. The linear quality of the image, its stark contrasts, and the texture embedded in the paper all speak to the direct, physical engagement of the artist with the woodblock. Each line, painstakingly carved, contributes to the drama of the scene. Woodcut, with its relatively low cost and accessibility, has historically been a medium for disseminating information and imagery to a broad audience. In this instance, the print serves not only as an artistic expression but also as a form of religious instruction. The labor-intensive process of carving the block by hand underscores the value placed on the image and its message. Appreciating these aspects allows us to view the print as both a work of art and a product of its time.