Almshouse
1621
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1621
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Almshouse is a 1621 ink by Edouard Eckman, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut shows a courtyard with a simple building in the background. The walls have arches, and people walk or stand around. One man on the right holds a long pole with a bag tied to it—maybe for collecting donations. Others chat or sit on the ground, and a dog wanders near the center. The artist used sharp lines to show light and shadow, giving the scene a busy but orderly feel. The woodcut technique means the image was carved into wood and printed, which was common before photography. Look up woodcut to see how this printmaking method works.
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