Vices et Vertus d'Enfants / Kinder deugden en gebreken 1866 - 1902

This print, *Vices et Vertus d'Enfants*, was made by Franciscus Antonius Beersmans at an unknown date. It's a lithograph, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The technique involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating it with chemicals so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproductions, evident in the print's graphic style and simple color palette. The use of lithography speaks to the rise of mass media and visual culture, making images more accessible to a wider audience. Prints like these played a role in shaping social values, particularly for children, as suggested by the title. The choice of lithography reflects a shift towards industrial production, making art a commodity and impacting the role of the artist in society. It underscores the relationship between art, labor, and consumption.