Geliefde jeugd in ieder dier / Blinkt Gods weldadig albestier 1827 - 1894

This print, made by M. Hemeleers-van Houter, uses lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Instead of laboriously engraving each image, the artist draws on a stone with a greasy crayon, then treats it chemically so that ink only adheres to the drawn areas. Look closely and you'll see that the black lines are quite soft. This is a direct result of the lithographic process, which allows for a more painterly effect than traditional engraving. The red and yellow were likely added through stencils, in separate passes of the press. The resulting image shows a page of moralizing verse accompanied by depictions of animals. Its very existence is a testament to the power of industrial production, which allowed for mass dissemination of images and ideas. The content is intended for children, which speaks volumes about the hopes and anxieties of the emerging middle class. Ultimately, this modest print reveals the complex interplay between art, industry, and social values, a reminder that even the simplest images can be powerful cultural artifacts.