What distinguishes Linocut and Woodcut in printmaking?

In printmaking, Linocut and Woodcut are distinguished primarily by the type of surface from which white space is cut away. In a Linocut, the printing surface is made from linoleum, which is a softer and more malleable material compared to wood. This softness allows for more intricate and detailed designs to be carved into the surface, making it easier to achieve fine lines and complex images. On the other hand, Woodcut utilizes a wooden block, which is typically harder and can produce bolder, more graphic images with stronger contrasts.

The different characteristics of these surfaces affect the overall aesthetic and technical aspects of the prints created. For instance, Linocuts often have a smoother finish and can convey a different texture and quality in the printed images compared to Woodcuts, which may retain more of the natural grain and texture of the wood. This fundamental difference in the material used for cutting directly influences the printmaking process and the resulting artworks.