Sometimes I dream, That he is me. Like Al....If I could be like Al..........

Hendrik Goltzius (January or February 1558 – January 1, 1617) was a Dutch printmaker and painter who specialized in engraving and woodcuts.  His right hand was deformed in a fire when he was a boy, and this tragedy allegedly helped him hold the engraver's burin in a unique manner enabling for spectacular control of the instrument (see image below).  This guy is the ONLY person in my book who rivals that of Durer in terms of technical virtuosity and imagination.  Goltzius also made many woodcuts.  Of those, "Hercules Killing Cacus" (1588) is the most famous and spectacular.  The print is a "chiaroscuro" woodcut, which is printed with tone and color blocks under the key block image.  Goltzius manages to capture the fury of the subject matter while maintaining beauty through the display of masterful technique.  Goltzius was one of the few printmakers who was able to maintain delicacy in his carved woodcut lines in the same manner as his engraved lines.  This is no small feat, considering the hardness of the woods used in those days (apple, cherry, & pear).  The depth of field achieved here is really incredible and unique in the world of woodcuts.  The color choice of the tone block certainly helps. Under close review, lines swell and taper depending on the texture of the surface Goltzius chooses to describe, and he is able to show restraint as well when depicting atmospheric perspective.  Goltzius allegedly created a number of "fake" copies of some of Durer's famous engravings in an effort to stroke his own ego, if the viewers could be fooled!  Hendrick need not worry. He was a spectacular artist in his own right and his prints stand the test of time and belong alongside many of the greatest printmakers of all time.  His dead rival Durer included!  Read more about Goltzius HERE

Goltzius's deformed hand, as engraved by the man himself (below)