Sloten met Bijbelse figuren in reliëf 1837 - 1839

This lithograph shows locks with biblical figures in relief, made by Léon Auguste Asselineau. The print captures the texture and depth of the original carved locks, likely made of wood or metal. The use of lithography, a printing technique employing a stone or metal plate, allowed for the detailed reproduction of these intricate carvings. Look closely, and you’ll see the precision required to transfer the three-dimensional quality of the locks onto a two-dimensional surface. The artist carefully rendered the textures of the carved figures and ornamental details through hatching and shading, capturing the play of light and shadow on the original objects. The subject matter, religious scenes, adds a layer of cultural significance. Locks, as functional objects, usually offer both security and symbolic associations. The addition of biblical figures elevates these utilitarian items to the realm of religious art, reflecting a society where faith permeated everyday life. By blurring the lines between craft and fine art, Asselineau invites us to consider the rich layers of meaning embedded in these humble objects.