IJsselspoorbrug Zwolle, 1864 1872 - 1874

This print, “IJsselspoorbrug Zwolle,” was made in 1864 by an anonymous artist. It’s a lithograph, which means the image was drawn on a flat stone and then printed. What makes this print interesting to me is how it captures a moment of huge technological change. You see the bridge, a symbol of industrial progress, rendered with precision. The lithographic process allows for a high level of detail, emphasizing the bridge's intricate ironwork. This wasn't just about function; it was about showcasing the capabilities of industrial production. But notice also the muted tones, almost like a watercolor painting. This softens the image, linking the modern bridge back to older aesthetic traditions. It’s a reminder that even as new technologies emerge, they’re always in conversation with the past. Ultimately, this print invites us to consider how progress is always a complex negotiation between what we gain and what we leave behind.