Kaddiesj 1853 - 1918

Alphonse Jacques Lévy created "Kaddiesj" using a printmaking technique, likely lithography or etching, characterized by its monochrome palette and fine, detailed lines. The material qualities of this printmaking method significantly influence the work’s somber mood, emphasizing the weight and texture of the scene, where an elderly man stands by a grave, reading from a prayer book. The meticulous process of creating such a print involves transferring an image onto a matrix, and the manual labor of an artist deeply affects the artwork. This piece shows a level of craftsmanship and technical skill, and engages with the history of graphic arts. The print medium connects to broader social themes of distribution, politics, and mourning. It is a poignant reflection on labor, class, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Ultimately, this print reminds us of the essential connection between materials, making, and context in understanding art, challenging any divisions between fine art and craft.