Zeilschip en roeiboot op zee c. 1847 - 1865

Louis Meijer made this image of a sailing ship and rowboat at sea, likely sometime in the mid-19th century, using lithography. This printmaking technique, which involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon and then using ink to transfer the image to paper, was a relatively new medium at the time, allowing for the mass production of images. Look closely, and you can see how the texture of the lithographic stone gives the print a grainy quality, especially visible in the sky and water. This technique allowed Meijer to create a sense of atmosphere and movement, capturing the drama of the sea. The choice of lithography is itself significant. Unlike painting, which was seen as a unique artistic creation, printmaking was inherently reproducible and connected to the world of commerce and industry. The print hints at wider social issues of labor and maritime trade. By understanding the materials and processes used to create this image, we can appreciate the artistry involved and its connection to the broader social and economic context of the time, challenging any assumed hierarchies between fine art and craft.