Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse courantombrengers voor het jaar 1850 1850

Dirk Wijbrand Tollenaar made this print for Amsterdam's newspaper deliverers in 1850. It’s a lithograph, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking technique allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, which was crucial for disseminating news and images to a wider public. The very nature of lithography—its reliance on repeatable processes, and its capacity to produce many copies—reflects the burgeoning print culture of the time. These prints were likely produced in multiples, sold, and distributed widely throughout the city. It speaks to the rise of mass media and the increasing importance of information dissemination in a rapidly changing society. Consider how the production and consumption of this print are tied to wider social issues, class, and labor, beyond traditional artistic practices.