Portret van Sophie van Württemberg 1849 - 1859

This portrait of Sophie van Württemberg was made by Benoit Taurel using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the chemistry of oil and water. The way a lithograph is made profoundly affects its appearance. The artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the greasy areas. The print captures the texture and detail of the drawing, from the soft shading of Sophie's dress to the delicate lace of her veil. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, and the rise of this technology is directly tied to a growing middle class eager to consume images and information. The detailed rendering of Sophie's clothing reflects both her status and the burgeoning textile industry of the time, with its global networks of labor and production. By focusing on the materials and methods of production, we can better understand not only the image itself but also the broader social and economic forces at play.