Portret van Frederik, prins der Nederlanden 1826

This is a portrait of Frederik, Prince of the Netherlands, created by Franz Krüger using lithography, a printmaking technique, in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applying ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. The print is then made by pressing paper against the plate. What I find most interesting about this portrait is how Krüger uses the lithographic process to convey status. The fine lines and shading give the portrait a sense of detail, almost mimicking the precision of a painting. Consider how this method democratizes image production. Unlike unique painted portraits accessible only to the wealthy, lithography allows for multiple copies, circulating images of power more widely. The very material and process speak to broader social shifts and the rise of mass media.