Making Woodcuts and Wood Engravings: An Essential Guide to the Art of Relief Printmaking

Making Woodcuts and Wood Engravings: Lessons by a Modern Master (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

by Albert Corbeto

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7848 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages
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Woodcuts and wood engravings are two of the oldest and most versatile forms of art. They have been used for centuries to create everything from religious images to political cartoons. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, techniques, and tools of woodcuts and wood engravings. We will also provide inspiration from contemporary artists who are using these traditional techniques in new and exciting ways.

History of Woodcuts and Wood Engravings

The earliest known woodcuts date back to the 8th century CE. They were created in China and Japan, and were used to illustrate religious texts. Woodcuts were introduced to Europe in the 14th century, and quickly became a popular method of reproducing images.

Wood engravings are a more recent development, dating back to the 18th century. They are created using a different set of tools and techniques than woodcuts, and produce a more refined and detailed image.

Techniques and Tools

Woodcuts and wood engravings are both relief printing techniques. This means that the image is carved into the surface of a wooden block, and the ink is applied to the raised areas. When paper is pressed against the block, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print.

The tools used for woodcuts and wood engravings include knives, gouges, and chisels. The type of tool used depends on the desired effect. Knives are used for creating fine lines, while gouges and chisels are used for carving larger areas.

Historical Significance

Woodcuts and wood engravings have played a significant role in the history of art. They were used to illustrate books, newspapers, and magazines. They were also used to create political cartoons and propaganda posters.

Some of the most famous woodcuts and wood engravings include:

• The Apocalypse by Albrecht Dürer (1498)
• The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai (1831)
• Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1937)

Contemporary Applications

Woodcuts and wood engravings are still used today by artists and printmakers. They are often used to create fine art prints, but they can also be used for commercial purposes, such as book illustration and packaging.

Some contemporary artists who are using woodcuts and wood engravings in new and exciting ways include:

• Kara Walker
• William Kentridge
• Mickalene Thomas

Woodcuts and wood engravings are a versatile and expressive art form with a rich history. They are still used today by artists and printmakers around the world to create beautiful and meaningful works of art.

If you are interested in learning more about woodcuts and wood engravings, there are a number of resources available online and in libraries. You can also find classes and workshops taught by experienced artists and printmakers.

References

• Brown, Tim. "Woodcut and Wood Engraving." In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/wden/hd_wden.htm (October 2004)
• Clayton, Miles. "Woodcuts." In Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 2019. https://www.britannica.com/art/woodcut.
• Harvey, Frank. "Wood Engraving." In Encyclopedia of Arts Education. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 1996. https://.org/10.1007/978-3-642-57959-3_138.

Making Woodcuts and Wood Engravings: Lessons by a Modern Master (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

by Albert Corbeto

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7848 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	112 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE