Franse soldaten en kanonnen worden in positie gebracht, oktober 1837 1838

This lithograph, created by Auguste Raffet in October 1837, depicts French soldiers and cannons being strategically positioned. Lithography, a printmaking process, relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The artist draws an image with a greasy substance onto a flat stone, which is then treated with acid. Ink adheres only to the drawn areas, allowing the image to be printed. Raffet’s choice of lithography highlights the shift towards mass production in the 19th century. Unlike traditional engravings that required meticulous handwork, lithography allowed for relatively quick reproduction and distribution of images. Here, the texture created by the lithographic crayon gives a sense of depth to the landscape, and the many soldiers depicted. The image shows the industrialization of warfare. The cannons, symbols of technological advancement, contrast sharply with the human labor of the soldiers. By focusing on the tools and techniques of its making, we gain insight into its cultural and social relevance. We see how even a seemingly straightforward image can reveal complex relationships between art, labor, and the broader forces of historical change.