François Henri Schlick, Count of Bassano de Weisskirchen 1837

In 1837, Franz Eybl captured François Henri Schlick on paper using lithography, a printmaking technique that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography's process begins with a smooth stone, on which the artist draws with a greasy crayon. The stone is then treated to accept ink only where the crayon has marked it, allowing for multiple impressions to be made. Look closely, and you can see the subtle textures and tonal variations achieved through this method, giving the portrait a soft, almost painterly quality. Consider how this technique enabled the wider distribution of portraits, connecting to burgeoning print culture and, in some ways, mirroring industrial production. It allowed for a certain level of replication and accessibility, diverging from the unique, hand-crafted nature of traditional painting. This lithograph isn’t just an image; it's a product of its time, reflecting shifts in technology, labor, and the consumption of art. It bridges the gap between fine art and the burgeoning world of mechanical reproduction.