Portret van A. Lemson Pynaecker 1839

Johann Peter Berghaus created this print of A. Lemson Pynaecker using lithography, a process that beautifully marries art and industry. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The print is made by pressing paper against the inked stone. This method allowed for relatively quick and easy reproduction, making images accessible to a wider audience. Notice how Berghaus uses the technique to capture the texture of Pynaecker's jacket and the subtle gradations of light on his face. The precision required highlights the skill involved, yet it is fundamentally a reproductive, rather than unique, work. Lithography's rise was concurrent with the rise of consumer culture. Consider the link between printmaking and capitalism. This piece challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in reproductive media.