J. S. Saxtorph 1835

David Monies created this print of J. S. Saxtorph using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a flat stone or metal plate, which is then treated to accept ink only in the areas where the crayon has marked. The nature of the material—the smooth stone and the greasy crayon—allows for a wide range of tonal variations, evident in the subtle shading that defines Saxtorph's features and clothing. The print’s graphic quality, achieved through the lithographic process, speaks to the rise of commercial art and mass production. Unlike traditional engraving, which required specialized skills and was more time-intensive, lithography enabled artists to create multiple copies quickly and affordably. This shift reflects the changing dynamics of labor and consumption in the 19th century, as images became more accessible to a wider audience. The choice of lithography as a medium thus underscores the evolving relationship between art, industry, and society.