Theaterdecor voor de eerste acte van Le caïd 1854 - 1858

Eugène Cicéri created this set design for the first act of Le caïd, using pen lithography to create the print. Pen lithography is an intriguing process. The artist draws directly onto a specially prepared stone or metal plate with a grease-based crayon or ink. This creates an image that attracts oil-based printing ink, while the surrounding areas are treated to repel it. The print's appearance is deeply influenced by the artist's hand and the inherent qualities of the materials involved, from the texture of the stone to the viscosity of the ink. Consider the social context: this print was made to represent a theatrical set. Cicéri's skills were employed to envision a space for entertainment, reflecting the cultural values and tastes of the audience. The lithographic process, with its blend of artistic skill and reproductive technology, democratized image-making, making visual culture more accessible. Looking closely at this print reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but about the materials, labor, and social forces that bring it into being.