Gezicht op Bad Ems c. 1850

This print of Bad Ems, rendered by an anonymous artist, was created using a technique called lithography. Lithography's a fascinating process, born of the industrial age. A design is drawn onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, and then chemically treated so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking method, unlike etching or engraving, allowed for a more direct, almost painterly approach. You can see that in the soft gradations of tone, capturing the quaint town nestled in the valley. The material qualities—the way ink sits on paper, the subtle textures achieved through the lithographic process—contribute to the print's overall effect. Lithography democratized image-making, making prints more accessible and contributing to the rise of visual culture. This view of Bad Ems speaks to the rise of tourism and leisure in the 19th century, made possible by industrialization and new forms of consumption. So, next time you see a print, remember the intricate process and the social context that brought it into being.