Menu voor het jubileumdiner voor het vijfentwintigjarig jubileum van Pulchri Studio before 1872

This is Charles Rochussen’s menu design for the 25th anniversary dinner of Pulchri Studio, created in 1872. It's printed on paper, using lithography – a process involving drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then using ink to transfer the design. Lithography allowed for relatively quick, inexpensive reproduction, perfectly suited for ephemera like menus. Notice the elaborate ornamentation: cherubs, floral arrangements, and draped banners. These are rendered with impressive detail, given the printmaking process. It speaks to Rochussen's skill, and the level of artistry valued even in something as transient as a dinner menu. Consider the social context: Pulchri Studio was an artists' society, so this menu wasn't just about food. It was a statement of cultural identity. The design elevates dining to an art form, reflecting the aspirations and self-image of the artists involved. Ultimately, this menu shows how art and craft can intertwine, blurring boundaries between the aesthetic and the everyday.