St Nicholas c. 1850 - 1900

This colorful print, titled St Nicholas, was created by Brepols & Dierckx Zoon. The chromolithographic process used to make it was a complex, multistep procedure, involving the layering of different colors from separate stones to achieve a vibrant image. In this work, we see Saint Nicholas in a series of scenes, each carefully rendered with attention to detail. But it’s not just the imagery that’s important. The choice of chromolithography itself speaks volumes about the social context of the time. This printing technique allowed for mass production, making images like these accessible to a wide audience. The print’s inherent qualities, from its smooth texture to its vivid colors, are products of the industrial processes of the era. It reflects the rise of consumer culture and the democratization of art, where images were no longer confined to the elite but circulated widely among the population. Understanding the materials, making, and social context challenges the traditional hierarchy of art and craft, offering a deeper appreciation of the image.