Woodblock

Woodcut

Woodcut is engraving in wood. A design is drawn on a block, everything that should stay white is cut away with gouges and knives, and the raised surface is inked.

It is the oldest printing technique: in China texts were printed with woodblocks centuries before Europe. In the West it was used for playing cards, religious prints and to illustrate the first printed books, because the block could be set together with the type.

In Mexico, woodcut accompanied the printing press from the 16th century and enjoyed a revival in the 20th century with artists such as Leopoldo Méndez and the Taller de Gráfica Popular.

The MUNAG holds engraved woodblocks with religious motifs, portraits, popular scenes and blocks for printing playing cards.