Het behaagzieke meisje 1875 - 1903

This chromolithograph, “Het behaagzieke meisje” – or “The Vain Girl” – was made by Jan de Haan as part of a series of Dutch children’s prints. The process of chromolithography, which allowed for the relatively cheap production of colourful images, is crucial here. It democratized image-making. What was once the purview of wealthy patrons who could afford hand-painted art, now became available to a broader public. Look closely, and you'll see the telltale signs of the lithographic process: the flat, somewhat chalky colours, the reliance on strong outlines. But the artist also exploits the medium’s potential for detail. He captures the textures of the girl's dress, her hat, and the surrounding domestic objects. There is a striking contrast between the girl's finery and the implied labour required to produce and maintain it. The crispness of the print allows for an attention to detail that speaks volumes about the material culture of the time. By considering the processes of production, we can see how this seemingly simple image reflects broader social and economic shifts. It bridges the gap between art, craft, and the everyday world.