Stamboom van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden, en Sophie van Württemberg 1874

This detailed family tree of Willem III and Sophie van Württemberg is an anonymous work, precisely printed on paper. The method of production is key to understanding it. Consider the industrial revolution, which facilitated the mass production of printed materials. The fine lines and intricate details suggest the use of techniques such as engraving or lithography, processes that demanded skilled labor, but allowed for the relatively rapid replication of imagery and text. The paper itself, likely made from wood pulp, reflects the increasing availability of inexpensive materials during this period. The work's inherent qualities of texture, weight, and color contribute to its readability, making it easier to follow the complex lineage it presents. The creation of this family tree involved a collaboration between the artist, the printer, and the social context that valued the preservation and dissemination of aristocratic lineage. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we challenge distinctions between fine art, craft, and document, gaining a fuller appreciation of its meaning and significance.