La Né d'une Modiste, 1828 : Chap. III: Serez-vous inexorable c. 1828

Gottfried Engelmann created this lithograph, "La Né d'une Modiste, 1828 : Chap. III: Serez-vous inexorable," in 1828. The lithographic process is crucial to understanding this work. It involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking technique allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making images accessible to a wider audience. The softness and subtlety of the lines, achieved through lithography, lend a delicate quality to the scene. The figures, rendered with fine detail, appear almost like a sketch brought to life. It’s a process perfectly suited to the burgeoning world of commercial art, where capturing fleeting moments and fashionable figures was in high demand. The lithograph captures a pivotal moment in the fashion industry's development, reflecting the changing social dynamics and the increasing importance of image production in early 19th-century society. By considering the materials, the making, and the context, we can better understand the relationship between art, commerce, and society.