Gezicht op de kathedraal van Straatsburg 1826

Ludwig Friedrich Schnell created this lithograph, Gezicht op de kathedraal van Straatsburg. Here, we see a monochromatic view of the Strasbourg Cathedral, created through the lithographic printmaking process. Lithography is a fascinating process. The artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. This allows for the reproduction of detailed images, like this vista of Strasbourg. Notice how the lithographic technique captures the cathedral’s architectural details, as well as the city’s layout. This printmaking method allowed for a wider distribution of images, connecting more people to the architectural marvels and urban landscapes of the time. Consider the labor involved, from quarrying the limestone, to preparing the printing surface, to pulling the prints. Lithography democratized image production, making art more accessible, reflecting broader shifts in society and the rise of industrial production.