Ole Bull 1843

J.V. Gertner created this lithograph of Ole Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist, in the 19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique, which relies on the contrast between oily and water-based substances. The artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treats the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas, allowing prints to be pulled. In this portrait, the lithographic process captures the fine detail of Bull's features, clothing, and hair. You can almost feel the texture of the paper he’s tearing, and the rich fabric of his suit. The marks that define the image carry a social charge: this was an era of rapidly expanding print culture, where images could be mechanically reproduced and widely disseminated. Gertner skillfully utilized the properties of lithography to create an image that speaks to both the artistry of the musician, and the democratizing power of industrial production. By understanding the material and the making, we appreciate the full significance of this compelling portrait.