Portret van Willem de Clercq 1829 - 1845

Henricus Couwenberg made this portrait of Willem de Clercq using lithography. The lithographic process involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a flat stone or metal plate, then treating it so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Here, we see fine lines and subtle gradations of tone, achieved through careful manipulation of the crayon and printing process. Look at the way Couwenberg captures the texture of de Clercq's coat, and the soft quality of his hair. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making images more accessible to a wider audience. The artist has created a kind of intimacy through the close depiction of the subject's face, while also emphasizing the sitter's status through the formal attire and dignified pose. Lithography played an important role in the democratizing of portraiture, moving it away from the exclusive realm of painting. Appreciating the technical skill involved reminds us that art is always the product of specific materials, processes, and social contexts.