Untitled (2 girls in a barn) 1917

Daniel Albert Veresmith made this lithograph, ‘Untitled (2 girls in a barn),’ likely at the turn of the century. The medium itself, lithography, is a fascinating blend of technical skill and artistry. The process begins with a smooth stone, usually limestone, on which the artist draws with a greasy crayon or ink. The stone is then treated with chemicals so that only the drawn areas attract ink. When printed, these areas transfer the image to paper. The resulting print has a distinctive velvety texture. Veresmith's choice of lithography allows for subtle gradations of tone and delicate lines, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The soft, grainy texture of the lithographic ink evokes a feeling of intimacy. The process here also perfectly suits the subject matter: the humble interior of a barn. With its direct engagement with the material realities of rural life, the work blurs the boundaries between fine art and the everyday world.