Artwork
The Procuress
The Procuress is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ludwig Büsinck. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Procuress is a color chiaroscuro woodcut on laid paper created by Ludwig Büsinck in 1630.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts three figures in a dimly lit interior: a centrally placed woman holding a baby, an older haloed man beside her, and a richly dressed man on the opposite side. The scene's tension and the figures' expressions suggest a narrative that extends beyond the image.
Technique & Style
The woodcut employs dramatic chiaroscuro, with deep shadows and highlights on faces and fabrics, achieved through the use of multiple blocks to print different colors.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro and the subject matter reflect the artistic influences of the time, while the technique demonstrates the capabilities of woodcut printing.
Artist & collection
