Portret van Étienne Maurice Gérard 1843

Adolphe Torlet created this portrait of Étienne Maurice Gérard using a printmaking technique called lithography. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applying ink which adheres only to the drawn areas. The printmaker then transfers the image onto paper. In this print, the fine lines create a sense of depth and detail, especially in the rendering of Gérard's uniform. Lithography became popular in the 19th century because it allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images. This made art more accessible to a wider audience, and it also enabled the mass production of portraits like this one, which could be distributed as mementos or political tools. Think about the labour involved, from quarrying the limestone block to the skilled hand of the artist. This print reveals how artistic practices are intertwined with broader social and economic forces, allowing the commercialization of images and information.