This block was shaped at the edges to produce a vignette image. The engraver used extremely finely engraved lines (see especially in the clouds) and cross hatchings to render the tone. This image appeared on page one of the very first issue of the Illustrated London News.
Wood engravers used the same kind of tools as were used for metal engraving, producing fine line effects. They worked on the hard end-grain rather than along the plank of wood. Box wood was commonly also used for wood engraving, which being from a very slow growing tree and therefore producing tightly packed rings, was hard enough to take engraving tools. The similar process of woodcutting by contrast was done using gouges and knives on the plank of softer wood such as holly and pear, and was therefore less capable of producing fine lines.