Portret van de predikant L.S.P. Meyboom 1834 - 1892

Edouard Taurel created this lithograph portrait of the preacher L.S.P. Meyboom using a stone printing technique, in the mid-19th century. Lithography was a relatively new technology at the time, offering a way to reproduce images quickly and relatively cheaply. The process begins with a drawing made with a grease pencil on a flat stone, which is then treated with chemicals so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The image is then transferred to paper. Consider the implications of this technique. The ability to produce multiple copies of an image democratized representation. It allowed for the wider distribution of portraits like this one, potentially reaching audiences far beyond the sitter's immediate circle. It’s also worth noting the texture and tonal range achieved through lithography. The subtle gradations of light and shadow give the portrait depth and a sense of realism. This would have been particularly appealing to a middle-class audience eager to consume images that reflected their own values and aspirations. The lithographic process thus speaks to broader social changes related to labor, politics, and consumption.