WIJNAND NIEUWENKAMP - Le Puy-en-Velay & Rocher Corneille

THE ARTWORK

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp's woodcut of Le Puy-en-Velay, created in 1901, captures the essence of this historic French city nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The artwork showcases the city's distinctive architectural features, including the towering Notre-Dame Cathedral, perched atop the volcanic Rocher Corneille (Rock of Cornelius).

Le Puy-en-Velay holds a significant place in French history and culture. It was an important pilgrimage site on the Camino de Santiago in the Middle Ages, and its cathedral is still a popular destination for religious and cultural tourism. The city is also renowned for its lacemaking tradition and its unique volcanic landscapes.

The woodcut presents a panoramic view of Le Puy-en-Velay, with the city sprawled across the hillside, its buildings cascading down towards the valley floor. The composition is carefully balanced, with the cathedral occupying a central position and drawing the viewer's eye towards its impressive Gothic spires.

Nieuwenkamp's keen eye for detail is evident in his depiction of the city's architecture. The intricate carvings and ornamentation of the cathedral are meticulously rendered, while the half-timbered houses and winding streets convey a sense of the city's rich history. Figures dot the streets, adding a touch of life and movement to the scene.

THE ARTIST

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp (1874-1950) was a versatile Dutch artist whose creative pursuits spanned painting, printmaking, book illustration, and travel writing. Born in Amsterdam, he studied at the Rijksacademie van Beeldende Kunsten and became known for his intricate etchings and woodcuts, often depicting landscapes, cityscapes, and scenes from his extensive travels. Nieuwenkamp was deeply inspired by classical antiquity and the art of ancient civilizations, which influenced both his visual style and his writings. His travels took him across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where he documented his experiences through art and literature. Nieuwenkamp's work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a rich, evocative quality that captures the essence of the places he visited.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit