Soldaat neemt ezel mee van een oude boer 1834

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet created this print, “Soldier Taking a Donkey from an Old Farmer,” using lithography, a process notable for its capacity to replicate images quickly and efficiently. The very nature of lithography influences the work's appearance. Its monochrome aesthetic emphasizes the stark contrast between the soldier's exuberance and the farmer's distress. The linear quality captures the scene’s textures, from the rough landscape to the characters' clothing, enhancing the narrative. Charlet's engagement with lithography situates this work within the burgeoning print culture of the 19th century. The relative ease of production meant that commentary on current events could reach a mass audience, and it speaks directly to social issues. Notice the labor involved, and the implied power dynamics. It is the soldier who benefits, not the farmer or the donkey. Understanding Charlet’s choice of lithography is key to understanding the work's full meaning and its place in both art history and social commentary.