Madonna and Child c. 1480

This image of the Madonna and Child was made with a woodcut, a process that dates back to at least the 14th century. The artist would have used a knife or gouge to carve an image into a block of wood, leaving raised areas to hold ink. Look closely, and you can see how the character of the wood itself has influenced the image. The artist has worked with the grain to create texture in the drapery and architecture. The dark lines emphasize the volume of the figures, Mary’s robes in particular. Woodcut is a relatively accessible technique, meaning that images like these could be produced in multiples and distributed widely, perhaps even sold for just a few coins. Although we don't know who made this particular print, we can appreciate how it connects with a broad history of popular image-making, far beyond the realm of painting or sculpture. We can see how the skilled labor of carving and printing could bring sacred imagery into everyday life.