Gezicht op de Der Aa-kerk en de vismarkt in Groningen 1834

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this view of the Der Aa-kerk and the fish market in Groningen using lithography, a printmaking technique. Lithography involves drawing with a greasy crayon onto a flat stone or metal plate, then using oil and water to transfer the image to paper. The texture of the print is flat and smooth, achieved by the artist's skill and expertise in lithography. The process of making lithographs was industrialized and commercialized in the 19th century. Lithography allowed for the mass production of images. This print is evidence of the rise of visual culture, and the growth of cities, which are closely tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process, from quarrying the stone to pulling the final print. By understanding the materials, the making, and the context of this artwork, we can appreciate the skills and processes employed by the artist, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.