Nederlandse maagd met leeuw 1863 - 1869

This lithograph was made by Johan Philip Koelman, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. The image shows a female figure, the Dutch maiden, with a lion, emblems of the Netherlands. The lithographic process allowed for detailed tonal gradations and fine lines, evident in the textures of the lion's mane and the maiden’s flowing drapery. Lithography, a printmaking technique based on the repulsion of oil and water, democratized image production. It involved drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink would only adhere to the drawn areas. This print is a reproduction from "Album van den Nederlandschen Spectator No. 5". Koelman's choice of lithography speaks to the rise of mass media and the increasing accessibility of art to a wider audience. Understanding the method by which this image was made is crucial to recognizing its historical significance, challenging traditional distinctions between high art and popular culture.