Bijbelsche geschiedenis 1861 - 1929

This print, titled "Biblical History", was made by Albertus Willem Sijthoff. While undated, its lithographic technique helps situate it within the 19th century, when printed images were becoming increasingly available to a wider public. Lithography involves drawing an image on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applying ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. It's a relatively quick process, well suited to mass production. Here, its efficiency serves a didactic purpose, conveying biblical stories through easily reproduced images. The design itself—a compilation of vignettes within a single frame—further economizes the printing process. Look closely and you’ll notice that each scene is rendered with a simple but consistent use of color, carefully applied. In its time, this image would have been an accessible and affordable tool for religious education, reflecting the growing accessibility of visual media in everyday life. It blurs the line between art and design, showcasing how printing technology democratized image-making and dissemination.