Portret van S. van Brakel 1842 - 1887

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this portrait of S. van Brakel using lithography, a printmaking technique, sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making images more accessible to a wider audience. Here, the artist has used the greasy properties of lithographic crayons to create a detailed portrait, capturing the likeness and perhaps also something of the character of S. van Brakel. The process involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The printmaker then transfers the image to paper. This method was particularly well-suited to the burgeoning print culture of the 19th century, allowing for mass production of images for books, newspapers, and individual sale. This portrait speaks to the democratizing potential of printmaking, making art more accessible and allowing for the wider dissemination of images and ideas. It challenges our traditional notions of fine art, reminding us that creativity and skill can be found in unexpected places.