Pilaren met reliëf before 1868

William H. Griggs made this image of relief pillars using a process called chromolithography. This method relies on the careful layering of different colors using lithographic stones. The textured appearance of the pillars is beautifully captured. You can almost feel the age and the delicate work of the original carvings. What makes this print interesting is its remove from the original object. It’s not just a record, though; it's also an object of craft in its own right. Chromolithography was a commercially viable process, requiring the skills of draughtsmen and printers. It allowed for mass production of images, like this one, bringing art and documentation to a wider audience. It democratized image-making, even as it relied on skilled labor. So, when you look at this print, consider the many hands involved, from the original sculptors of the pillars to the artisans who created this lasting image.