Portret van Johan Antoni Philipse 1866

Wilhelmus Cornelis Chimaer van Oudendorp created this print of Johan Antoni Philipse using lithography. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The artist draws an image onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon or ink. The surface is then treated to make the drawn areas receptive to ink and the undrawn areas receptive to water. When the surface is inked, the ink adheres only to the drawn areas, which are then transferred to paper under pressure. What I find compelling here is how this relatively new technology democratized image production. Unlike traditional engravings that required highly skilled artisans, lithography allowed for a more direct and expressive approach. The artist's hand is much more evident, bridging the gap between drawing and printmaking. Lithography was a crucial part of the visual culture, making images widely accessible during a period of rapid social and technological change. It allowed for mass production and distribution, thus contributing to the rise of consumer culture and political propaganda.