Børn på strandbreden 1880s

This print, "Children on the Seashore" was made by Adolph Kittendorff, likely during the mid-19th century, using lithography and hand coloring. The lithographic process allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible. The hand-coloring, though, adds a layer of craft, each print bearing the mark of an individual's labor. Note the careful application of color to the figures and the subtle gradations in the sky and sea. Lithography democratized image-making, taking it away from the exclusive realm of painting. Yet, the hand-coloring reminds us that even in the age of mechanical reproduction, the human touch remains. This combination speaks to the changing nature of art and labor during the Industrial Revolution. It blurs the line between mass production and individual artistry, and asks us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our perception of art.