La Belgique au moyen-âge : revue artistique des monuments civils et religieux de Belgique 1887

This is the cover of "La Belgique au moyen-âge," an artistic journal published in 1887, and printed using lithography by H.L. Stepman. Lithography, unlike older printmaking methods like etching or engraving, doesn't require cutting into a metal plate. The image is drawn with a greasy crayon onto a stone or metal surface, which is then treated to accept ink only where the crayon has marked. It's a direct, almost painterly process, capable of capturing fine details, and subtle tonal variations. Notice how the architectural details of the buildings are well-defined, giving the image a crisp appearance. The process democratized printmaking, allowing for larger editions and faster production times, perfectly suited to a journal intended for wide distribution. The Gothic lettering evokes medieval manuscripts, while the image celebrates the architecture of Belgium's past. The cover speaks to the burgeoning interest in national identity and historical preservation during the late 19th century. Lithography, a modern technique, becomes a tool for celebrating, and in a sense, mass-producing, a romantic vision of the medieval past.