The Country Doctor (plate 13) 1843

Charles Jacque created this lithograph, "The Country Doctor," in France using a stone printing process. The lithographic technique involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The resulting prints, like this one, have a distinctive grainy texture. This contrasts with the smooth, precise lines achieved through engraving. The inherent qualities of the lithographic process contribute to the artwork's social significance, offering a democratic form of reproduction. This method allowed images to be widely disseminated, reflecting on the everyday realities of rural life and class distinctions. Jacque engaged with a tradition of printmaking that straddled the line between fine art and commercial production. The amount of work involved in creating each impression highlights the labor inherent in the production process, emphasizing the value of accessible art for a wider audience. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of this lithograph, we can appreciate its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.