Portret van Karel Bernhard, hertog van Saksen-Weimar-Eisenach 1852

Christian Pfann created this portrait of Karel Bernhard, Duke of Saksen-Weimar-Eisenach. It's made using graphite and lithography on paper – humble materials, yet capable of conveying immense detail. The lithographic process is key here. It involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This allows for the creation of multiple identical prints, making art more accessible. The technique allows Pfann to capture the Duke’s likeness with remarkable precision, from the texture of his uniform to the glint of his medals. The level of detail suggests considerable labor, both in the initial drawing and in the printing process itself. The lithography allows for a repeatable image, almost like a photograph. This portrait speaks to the rise of mass media and the democratization of art. It blurs the line between fine art and reproductive technology. The Duke is forever immortalized, not through an oil painting, but a humble print. It reminds us that even seemingly simple materials can carry profound social and cultural meaning.