Vache. / Vacca. / Kuh. / Cow. / Koe 1829 - 1880

This print, titled "Cow" in five languages, was created by firma Joseph Scholz using chromolithography, a color printing technique that became popular in the 19th century. The process involved using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to create a layered image, allowing for the mass production of colorful prints. The cow, rendered in shades of brown and white, stands against a rustic backdrop of a farmhouse and greenery, its texture and form meticulously captured through the precise application of ink. The chromolithographic technique allowed images like this to become widely accessible. This was an incredibly labor-intensive process, requiring a collaborative effort between the artist and skilled craftsmen, reflecting the growing industrialization and consumer culture of the era. By examining the materials, the making process, and the broader context of production, we recognize how so-called ‘low’ art such as commercial prints can be understood and appreciated.