Ter gedachtenis aan Waterloo. 1815 / 1865 1865

This lithograph, titled "In Memory of Waterloo," was created in 1865 by an anonymous artist. Lithography, a printmaking process, allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images. The detailed scene commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, a pivotal event in European history. The lithographic technique enabled the artist to capture a wide range of textures and tones, from the crisp lines of the military figures to the softer shading of the surrounding landscape. The use of lithography in this commemorative print highlights the democratization of image-making in the 19th century, as it facilitated the wider dissemination of patriotic and historical narratives. While the artist remains unknown, the print itself serves as a testament to the skilled labor involved in the lithographic process and its role in shaping public memory. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and industrial production.