Donzella di Norimberga 1598

This is a woodcut, made by Christoph Krieger, which depicts a woman from Nuremberg. Notice how the artist has used a sharp tool to carve away the wood around the figure, leaving the lines that define her form raised to catch the ink. The process of woodcut is laborious, demanding both precision and patience. Each line must be carefully considered, as once the wood is cut away, it cannot be replaced. The result is a graphic image with strong contrasts and textures. The image shows a woman in traditional dress, likely a member of the upper class given the detail in her gown and jewelry. The print would have been produced in multiples, making images accessible to a wider audience. In considering a print like this, it's important to remember the labor involved, and the way in which it reflects broader issues of class, consumption, and the accessibility of images in the 16th century. In paying attention to the materials and making, we can appreciate how it bridges the world of craft and fine art.