How did early 15th-century German woodcuts change later in the century?

In the early 15th century, German woodcuts were characterized by bold, simple designs featuring single figures set against blank backgrounds, which were typically intended to be hand-colored.1

During the second half of the 15th century, these prints underwent a significant evolution toward greater complexity. The compositions began to incorporate architectural and landscape elements, and images were frequently framed within elaborate borders. Furthermore, the development of printing with movable type facilitated the integration of woodcut illustrations into books, transforming the medium into a powerful tool for visual expression and scientific documentation. By the end of the century, this progression laid the groundwork for the high aesthetic achievements of artists like Albrecht Dürer, who helped elevate the woodcut to a sophisticated art form.12