Kolonel van den Generalen Staf, (te paard) 1823

Abraham Lion Zeelander made this print of a colonel on horseback, using lithography, a newly available printmaking technique in the 19th century. Lithography allowed artists to create prints from a flat stone or metal plate. The artist would draw on the surface with a greasy crayon, then apply ink, which would adhere only to the drawn areas. The printmaker could then transfer the image onto paper. The process democratized image-making, resulting in mass production, and distribution, of images. Look closely, and you can see the graphic texture of the lithographic crayon. The crisp lines and subtle shading contribute to the image’s precise detail. These types of prints were not necessarily considered high art, but were important tools for circulating information, documenting society, and shaping public opinion. By valuing these prints, we recognize the important role of craft and design in understanding broader social and cultural contexts.