Aankondiging voor kalender 1903 1878 - 1903

Theo van Hoytema designed this calendar announcement in 1903, employing the technique of lithography. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The artist would have drawn the design on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then chemically treated the surface so that ink only adheres to the drawn areas. This print showcases the graphic boldness and capacity for subtle tonal variations that are characteristic of lithography. The texture and weight of the ink contribute to the overall aesthetic, creating depth and contrast. Hoytema's choice of lithography points to the democratization of art in the early 20th century. Unlike unique paintings or sculptures, lithographs could be produced in multiples, making art more accessible. This reflects a shift in artistic production, tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.