Portret van François Arago 1825 - 1842

This portrait of François Arago was made by Nicolas Maurin using lithography, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This print showcases the technique's capacity for fine detail, evident in the delicate rendering of Arago's features and clothing. Consider the labor involved: from quarrying the limestone to the skilled hand of the artist meticulously applying the crayon. Lithography's rise was tied to industrialization, providing a relatively inexpensive way to reproduce images for mass consumption. This portrait, likely made in multiples, speaks to the growing importance of public figures and the desire to disseminate their likeness. It also blurs the lines between art and industry, demonstrating how printmaking served both artistic and commercial purposes. By understanding the material and process behind this print, we can appreciate its significance within a broader social and economic context, and challenge conventional ideas about what constitutes art.