Groep mannen drinkt na een begrafenis 1802 - 1845

This lithograph, made by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, depicts a group of men drinking after a funeral. Lithography, unlike etching or engraving, is a planographic printmaking process, meaning that the image is drawn on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon. The stone is then treated with chemicals so that only the drawn areas will hold ink. This process allows for a wide range of tonal variations and a more direct, drawing-like quality. You can see it here in the subtle gradations of light and shadow, and the dynamic lines that capture the figures’ boisterous energy. The choice of lithography democratized printmaking and made images more accessible to a wider audience. Charlet created a scene that reflects the everyday life and social customs of his time, particularly among the working class. The very visible labor of the lithographer is a reminder of the many hands involved in the production and dissemination of images in the 19th century. So, as you observe this lithograph, consider how the materials and methods used contribute to its meaning, blurring the lines between fine art and social documentation.