De poppen-kast / Vierde stuk: Janklaassen en de duivel c. 1843 - 1920

This lithograph, “De poppen-kast / Vierde stuk: Janklaassen en de duivel,” was made by C. Reinhardt at an unknown date, using ink on paper. This is no high art masterpiece. It is a printed cartoon, designed for mass consumption. Lithography, the printmaking technique used here, allowed images to be reproduced quickly and cheaply. The artist would have drawn on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then used ink to transfer the image onto paper. The result is a series of identical prints, perfect for distribution to a wide audience. The content of this particular print, featuring puppets, hints at a playful, theatrical narrative. Such popular imagery reflects the rise of mass media and a growing consumer culture. It’s all about creating a readily available product for a public eager for entertainment. Ultimately, this lithograph is a reminder that art exists not only in grand museums but also in the everyday world of commerce and popular culture.