Portret van Moses Montefiore 1863 - 1883

This is a portrait of Moses Montefiore by Nicolaas Johannes Wilhelmus de Roode, made using lithography. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the contrast between greasy and water-receptive areas on a flat stone or metal plate. The image is drawn with a greasy crayon, then treated with acid. When the surface is inked, the ink adheres only to the greasy areas. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. The fine lines and subtle gradations of tone create a lifelike image of Montefiore, emphasizing his status and respectability. Yet, unlike a unique painting, this print could be widely distributed, making Montefiore's image accessible to a broader public. The lithographic process democratized image-making, connecting art to the burgeoning culture of mass production and consumption. Looking at this portrait, we are reminded that every artwork is not just an image, but also the result of material choices and production processes, which carry their own social and cultural significance.