Zangvogels 1903 - 1919

Arie Willem Segboer created this print titled 'Zangvogels' using lithography, a process involving printing from a flat stone or metal plate. The charm of this image lies in its efficient use of materials and the implied labor involved in its production. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of detailed images, making them accessible to a wide audience, including children as the text suggests. The process would have begun with a careful drawing on the lithographic stone, followed by chemical treatments to fix the image and allow for printing. Each color would require a separate stone, demanding skilled registration to align correctly. The result is a delightful catalogue of songbirds, rendered with enough detail to be informative, yet simplified for clarity. In its time, this print would have been a testament to the democratizing power of industrial production, bringing art and knowledge into everyday life. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images carry within them histories of labor, technology, and social context.