Jachtvermaak 1881

This illustrated sheet, called "Jachtvermaak," by De Ruyter & Meijer, is a lithograph, a printing technique that democratized image production. This method enabled illustrations to be replicated quickly and cheaply, fostering visual communication to the masses. Observe how the qualities of lithography influence the artwork's appearance. The prints depict hunting scenes with bold lines and blocks of color. The images, arranged in a grid, display a narrative sequence, akin to a comic strip. The making of these prints relied on skilled labor, from the artist creating the initial image to the technicians operating the printing press. Lithography emerged during the Industrial Revolution, reflecting a shift towards mass production and consumption. By understanding the printing process, we gain insight into the artwork's social and cultural significance, and the labor and technology of its time. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.