Jeu de l'oie / Ganzenspel 1827 - 1894

This is a lithographed game board, known as "Jeu de l'oie" or "Ganzenspel" in French and Dutch, made by M. Hemeleers-van Houter sometime before 1880. The lithography process involves drawing an image with a grease-based crayon onto a flat stone or metal plate, treating it with chemicals, and then using ink to print multiple copies. In this case, the colorful inks were applied to the plate in stages. The game board’s production reflects the rise of commercial printmaking in the 19th century, driven by advancements in lithography and the growing demand for affordable entertainment. This game, like many others of the era, relied on simple, easily reproducible imagery to appeal to a broad audience. The artist's labor is thus channeled into a process of mass production, intended for wide distribution and consumption. This board isn’t just a game; it's a material artifact of a changing society, where leisure and consumer culture were becoming increasingly intertwined.