Portret van Marg. Gerard. Caan van Hoekenburg-Van Hoogstraten c. 1851 - 1883

This is a lithograph portrait of Marg. Gerard. Caan van Hoekenburg-Van Hoogstraten, created by Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. A design is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treated with acid and gum arabic. Ink adheres only to the greasy areas, which are then transferred to paper. This technique, developed in the late 18th century, democratized image production, enabling multiple reproductions at a relatively low cost. The stark contrast between light and shadow in this portrait results from the lithographic process, and the sharp lines lend the portrait a crisp formality. Hoffmeister skillfully uses the medium to capture the details of his sitter's dress and jewelry. Considering the social context, this portrait, like many lithographs of the era, reflects the rise of a middle class eager to participate in the visual culture of the time. This artwork blurs the boundaries between art and commercial production, showcasing the skilled labor involved in creating a mass-reproducible image.