Portret van Robert Péril c. 1881 - 1884

Adolphe Varin made this portrait of Robert Péril, using lithography, a printing process with its own unique character. The image comes to us through the industrial revolution. Lithography, using a stone or metal plate with a grease-based image, allowed for relatively quick reproduction. Look closely and you can see the subtle grain and texture imparted by the stone itself. This process democratized image-making to some extent. The fine lines capture the details of Péril’s clothing and features, hinting at his status, and suggesting the rising middle class. It speaks to a new kind of artistic labor and a shift in how images were created and consumed. Lithography isn't just about the final image; it's about the means of production. Appreciating this portrait involves understanding how it was made, and how this process connects to broader social and technological changes. This approach challenges us to rethink traditional distinctions between art and craft, emphasizing the importance of materiality and context.