Kasteel en dorp 1875 - 1903

Jan de Haan's "Kasteel en dorp" is a lithograph printed on paper, meant to be cut out. The artwork presents a whimsical scene of a castle and village, its charm rooted in its accessibility as a children's print. The lithographic process itself is crucial here. Unlike painting or sculpture, lithography allows for mass production, echoing the rise of consumer culture. De Haan’s choice of this medium democratizes art, transforming it into an affordable pastime. Notice how the textures and tones of the buildings are rendered through the lithographic process, mimicking architectural surfaces with subtle gradations. The act of cutting and assembling brings this print to life. It merges the realms of image making and toy design. "Kasteel en dorp" then embodies a spirit of play. It invites us to consider the social function of art, the value we place on creative labor, and the simple joys of making something with our own hands.