Zwitserland. - 2,250,000 inwoners 1850

This print, titled "Zwitserland. - 2,250,000 inwoners," was created by Jan Schuitemaker using a lithographic printing process. Lithography, unlike engraving or etching, relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water, allowing for a wide range of tonal variations and fine detail. The print's visual elements—a map, architectural studies, and landscape vignettes—are all rendered through this process. Schuitemaker's choice of lithography speaks to a shift in the means of production, from handcrafted techniques to methods capable of mass production. The subtle gradations of color are achieved through the layering of inks, requiring skilled labor and careful registration. The print was made at "Prenten-Fabriek," a print factory, revealing the connection between artistic creation and industrial enterprise. The print’s function as an educational tool, mass-produced for distribution, situates it within the broader context of 19th-century visual culture and the rise of illustrated periodicals. It highlights the growing accessibility of information and the increasing role of print in shaping public perception.