Signore ritolato Tedesco 1598

This print, Signore ritolato Tedesco, was created by Christoph Krieger using a woodblock. Woodblock printing is an ancient technique, but in its moment, it was at the cutting edge of communication. The artist would have used knives and chisels to carve away the areas of the woodblock that he didn't want to print. Think about the skill and labor involved in this subtractive process: every mark carefully considered, every cut leaving a permanent trace. The bold lines and strong contrasts in the print are characteristic of woodblock printing. The image shows a nobleman with a sword and fine clothing, framed by a decorative border. Consider how the print would have been used, perhaps as an illustration in a book. The woodblock printing allowed for the relatively quick and easy reproduction of images. Looking at the image, we can appreciate the artist's skill in using the limitations of the medium to create a striking and informative artwork. It reminds us to value the craftsmanship and ingenuity that goes into every object we encounter.