Portret van Rafaël 1830 - 1873

Hendrik Wilhelmus Last created this portrait of Raphael using lithography, a printmaking technique that democratized image production 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 print captures Raphael's likeness with delicate precision, the lithographic process allowing for fine lines and subtle gradations of tone, mimicking the effect of a drawing. The rise of lithography was closely tied to industrialization and the growth of a consumer culture. It enabled the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Last's choice of lithography aligns with this trend, reflecting a shift towards more democratic forms of art production and consumption. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between original art and reproduction, inviting us to consider the social and economic forces shaping artistic practices.