Spotprent op de architect W.N. Rose, 1861 1861

This print, a cartoon from 1861 by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans, uses lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century through its suitability for mass production. Lithography involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The resulting prints, like this one, could be produced quickly and in large numbers. Here, the artist has used the medium to convey a scene of political satire, likely commenting on the state of architecture and its practitioners in his time. The cross-hatching and detailed lines, made possible by the lithographic process, give the image a sense of depth and texture. The content is a window into the socio-political landscape of the era, highlighting the accessibility of printmaking in disseminating ideas and critiques. It is a great example of how an artist could use materials and processes to make commentary on society and culture.