Leguaan 1878 - 1906

This is Theo van Hoytema's 'Leguaan', a print rendered with lithographic crayon and tusche. Lithography, a relatively young printing process at the time, allowed for a remarkable range of tonal variation. The artist has used it to great effect, conjuring the texture of the lizard’s skin, its claws, and the surrounding atmosphere, all through subtle gradations of grey. Look closely, and you'll see the marks left by the artist’s hand – the granular quality achieved by the crayon, and the washes of the ink-like tusche. The process relies on the mutual repulsion of grease and water, and an understanding of these materials is vital. Hoytema’s choice of lithography suggests a desire to democratize his art through reproducible images, aligning himself with the broader social project of printmaking. Appreciating this print involves recognizing the artist's command of lithography, and understanding its place within both artistic and industrial contexts.