Omslag voor een serie van vijf prenten met landschappen bij nacht 1827 - 1828

Carl August Lebschee made this cover for a series of five prints with landscapes at night using graphite on paper. This choice of material is important in how the artwork is perceived. Graphite, with its soft, metallic sheen, has been used since the 16th century, initially valued more as a marking material than an artistic one. The artist’s skilled handling of the graphite, using hatching and shading techniques, imbues the cover with depth. There is a subtle, but definite sense of volume. The design is rendered with great precision, typical of the printmaking tradition. The cursive inscription in the center has been given considerable attention, framed by two columns of curved lines. The graphite lends the artwork a subdued quality. The use of industrial materials like graphite challenges traditional notions of fine art and underscores the connection between art, labor, and industry. It emphasizes the labor involved in producing the print and the social context in which it was made. Considering materials and making allows us to fully appreciate the artwork’s meaning.