Bij 't achtenveertigtal van deez' verscheidenheden, / Kunt gij uw tijd met vreugd en leerzaamheid besteden 1816 - 1849

This fascinating print, made by Jan Bernardus Ulrich, is a lithograph, meaning it was printed from a flat stone or metal plate. The image, created without a printing press, shows a grid of miniature scenes, each accompanied by a little rhyme. You can see the nature of lithography in its graphic quality: the image has a kind of crispness of line. It also allowed for the integration of text and image – a key aspect of printing’s democratic promise. Lithography democratized image production, making it far more efficient. Consider the labor Ulrich avoided by using this technology, rather than the intensive effort of engraving or other earlier printmaking techniques. It also allowed for a greater distribution of educational material. This lithograph is more than just a collection of playful images; it's a testament to the democratization of art and information during the nineteenth century.