De groote plattelander (Mr. L. H......s) aan 't werk Possibly 1895

This lithograph, "De groote plattelander," was made by Willem van Konijnenburg. Look closely, and you'll see the artist's hand in every line. Lithography is an interesting process, because it allows for a relatively direct transfer of an image. The artist draws on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then the surface is treated so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This method is particularly effective for capturing the immediacy of a sketch, as we see here. Konijnenburg uses this technique to convey the labor of agricultural work, with the man and horse appearing as laborers in the field. Notice how the seemingly simple lines create texture and depth, giving the work a tangible quality. The lithographic process highlights the artist's draftsmanship, emphasizing the physical act of drawing and its connection to the scene depicted. The print invites us to consider the relationship between artistic labor and agricultural work, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.