Portret van Jacobus Didericus Janssen 1855

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this portrait of Jacobus Didericus Janssen with lithography. This image is from the Netherlands. The earliest examples of lithography in the Netherlands date back to the first decade of the 19th century. It was a period of significant political change. The Batavian Republic was replaced by the Kingdom of Holland, and then the Netherlands were annexed by France under Napoleon. Lithography quickly gained popularity in the Netherlands. The image of Jacobus Didericus Janssen can be seen in the context of a growing Dutch tradition in lithography. A tradition that provided accessible imagery during a time of political transformation, and growing national consciousness. Historians consult a variety of resources, including prints, books, newspapers, and archival documents. By studying them, we can place images within a rich historical context, revealing their place in the past.