Meifeest before 1864

Charles Rochussen created this print, titled Meifeest, using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The appeal of lithography lay in its relative ease and speed, bypassing the laborious carving required for woodcuts or engravings. The artist could draw directly onto a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, and then, through a chemical process, create an image ready for printing. Consider how lithography, as a method, mirrors the scene it depicts: a communal celebration, a ‘May Day’ festival. The relatively quick and reproducible nature of the print aligns with the spirit of a festival, a moment of collective participation. This artwork blurs the lines between fine art and popular culture, reflecting the social dynamics of its time.