Portret van J. Smits Jzn. 1840 - 1860

This is a portrait of J. Smits Jzn., made by H.Th. Hesselaar, sometime in the mid-19th century. It’s a lithograph, meaning it was printed from a flat stone using a chemical process. Lithography was a relatively new technology then, offering a way to reproduce images quickly and in quantity. Unlike laborious engraving, which demanded great skill and time, lithography allowed for a more direct and expressive touch, capturing the nuances of Hesselaar’s drawing. The velvety blacks and subtle gradations of tone give the portrait a richness and depth. The choice of lithography also speaks to a shift in the art world, as printmaking moved from a purely reproductive medium to a creative one in its own right. Consider this portrait in that light - as a demonstration of the power and potential of a new, industrial process. By understanding the materials and making, we can appreciate how this artwork sits at the intersection of craft, design, and materiality.