Au Bois de Boulogne par Maurice Beaubourg 

This book cover, dating from 1896, by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, was made with lithography, a printmaking process using flat stones. Notice how the texture of the stone is still visible in the final print, adding a certain roughness to the image. Lithography enabled the relatively quick and inexpensive production of colorful images, perfectly suited for the era of mass media. Steinlen skillfully uses this technique to depict a bustling scene in the Bois de Boulogne. The figures, rendered with quick, expressive lines, embody the energy and social dynamics of Parisian life. This wasn't about high art; it was about reaching a broad audience. The printmaking process allowed for the easy reproduction and distribution of Steinlen’s art, making it accessible to a wider public. The efficiency of lithography reflects the growing industrialization and commercialization of art during the late 19th century. By embracing these technologies, artists like Steinlen democratized art, bringing it into the daily lives of ordinary people.