woodblock, Agrostemma githago (verso)
![At some point in its history as part of the Plantin Moretus press, a paper label was affixed to the back of this woodblock in order to identify it.](https://www.earlyprintedbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/MPM_HB_04094_verso-a1U8MULbtDrXQeLnMqwF6d1x-800x800.jpg)
Zumárraga, Doctrina breve, 1544 (a1r)
![This title page uses woodcut blocks and pieces of type to create decorative borders surrounding the text presenting the work's title and imprint. Doctrina breve is the first complete work printed in North America, and was printed using type, blocks, and press were brought over to Mexico City from Spain.](https://www.earlyprintedbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/42727609-575x800.jpg)
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Woodcuts are illustrations printed by carving away areas from a block of wood, leaving the areas standing in relief to print when the block is inked. They were used throughout the hand-press period, and range in artistic quality to crude to elegant.