Portret van Jean Victor de Constant Rebecque 1847 - 1865

This print of Jean Victor de Constant Rebecque was made by Franciscus Bernardus Waanders. We can appreciate the process used to create this image: lithography. It is a method that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography relies on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The artist draws an image with a greasy crayon on a smooth stone or metal plate. Then, the surface is treated so that ink adheres only to the greasy areas, allowing the image to be printed. This print's success hinges on the artist's skill in manipulating the medium to create a range of tones and textures. Look closely, and you'll see delicate lines that describe the sitter's features. The resulting print could be reproduced in multiples, making images more accessible to a wider audience, and allowing for the quicker spread of propaganda. The artist’s labor is replaced by chemical processes, and the final product is divorced from the handmade.