Portret van Peter Paul Noël 1820 - 1841

Léopold Boëns made this print of Peter Paul Noël using lithography. The process involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. It's a method that democratized printmaking, allowing for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. Here, lithography’s capacity for tonal subtlety is on full display. Boëns coaxes a full range of grays from the stone, capturing Noël’s likeness with impressive detail. But the very ease of lithography also raises questions. How does the proliferation of images affect the status of the individual? Is Noël’s image cheapened by its reproduction, or is his fame amplified? These are questions tied to the rise of capitalism and mass media. Lithography facilitated the spread of information and imagery like never before, impacting social and cultural values. Considering the materials and processes used, alongside the broader context, invites us to think critically about the impact of technology on art and society.