Nature's Gems c. 1844

This lithograph titled Nature's Gems was created by Edwin Whitefield in the 19th century. It combines traditional drawing with the relatively new process of lithography, which allowed for the affordable reproduction of images. Look closely at the image, and you’ll notice that the artist has used lithography to create a delicate, almost lace-like border, juxtaposing it with the freehand drawing of the naturalistic landscape, featuring a meticulously rendered vase of flowers. The lithographic process involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The print's graphic qualities are inherently tied to the amount of labor involved in the production process. Whitefield cleverly uses this printing technique to mimic the intricate patterns and textures of fine craftsmanship. This blurring of boundaries between art and craft democratized the art of the time, making decorative images accessible to a wider audience.