Portret van Johann Gottfried Schadow c. 1818 - 1834

This lithograph portrait of Johann Gottfried Schadow was made by Ludwig Heine. The material of lithography lends itself to the precise reproduction of images. Schadow, the subject, was a famous sculptor, head of the Berlin Academy of Arts, and appointed sculptor to the Prussian court. The artist depicts him holding a pair of calipers, essential tools for sculptors to take precise measurements. In the background is a small statue of a female figure, likely one of Schadow’s own creations. The choice of lithography speaks to the changing world of art production in the early 19th century. The process allowed for more affordable prints than engravings, meaning a wider audience could own a portrait of a celebrated figure. The lithograph medium here serves the dual purpose of honoring a master sculptor, and democratizing art production. It allows for an insight into the world of artistic practice. It reminds us that even seemingly traditional art forms are always evolving through new materials and techniques.