Sunflowers 20 - 1895

Georges Lemmen created ‘Sunflowers’ using lithography, a printmaking technique that allows for nuanced tonal gradations. The velvety texture and rich colors achieved through lithography significantly influence the artwork's appearance, mimicking the lushness of the sunflowers themselves. The process involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Each color requires a separate stone, demanding precise registration and considerable skill. Lemmen's engagement with lithography reflects the broader social context of late 19th-century printmaking, where artists sought to democratize art by making it more accessible through affordable reproductions. The labor-intensive process of lithography also underscores the value placed on craftsmanship during this period, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and decorative arts. By embracing printmaking, Lemmen blurred these boundaries and celebrated the artistry inherent in the process itself.