De neus van Robert 1876 - 1890

This lithograph, "De neus van Robert" by Rougeran Vignerot, presents a cartoon narrative across several frames, rendered with the graphic clarity that the lithographic process allowed. The choice of lithography is key. It's a method uniquely suited to the mass production of images, making art more accessible. But also, in terms of its making, lithography involves a direct transfer of an image from a stone or metal plate, which allows for intricate line work and tonal variations. Here, the medium serves the message, emphasizing the serial nature of the depicted events. Each panel meticulously captures Robert's misadventures, highlighting the absurdity of the consequences resulting from a child's actions. The lithographic medium, with its capacity for detailed illustration, amplifies the humor and visual storytelling of the artwork. This approach makes the images easily reproducible for mass consumption. By understanding the printing method, we get a sense of how the artwork relates to broader issues of access, consumerism, and the democratizing potential of mass-produced images. The lithograph challenges distinctions between fine art and popular culture, and the intention to be widely accessible.