Witte duiven in venster 1878 - 1910

Theo van Hoytema created “White Doves in Window” using lithography, a printmaking technique where an image is drawn on stone or metal and then printed. Unlike painting or sculpture, printmaking allows for the easy creation of multiples, connecting art to broader systems of production and consumption. Here, the qualities of lithography influence the artwork's look. See how the crayon-like marks give a soft, textured feel to the doves' feathers and the rough brick of the window frame. This printmaking method is linked to the skilled craft traditions of graphic design and illustration, yet also steps away from fine art’s unique object. Hoytema, in choosing lithography, engages with the democratizing potential of print, making art more accessible and reflecting social values. Consider how this choice, rooted in process, challenges traditional art boundaries and emphasizes the value of craft in understanding art's broader impact.