Portret van Jan Willem Reinier Tilanus 1892

Jan Veth created this portrait of Jan Willem Reinier Tilanus using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the image emerges from countless tiny marks. The artist would have drawn the portrait on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applied ink that adhered only to the drawn areas. From this, multiple impressions could be made. Lithography was a relatively new technology in Veth’s time, enabling the mass production of images. This particular print comes from a series titled "Bekende Tijdgenooten", or "Famous Contemporaries". The process democratized image-making, allowing for wider distribution of portraits and other artworks. Veth’s skilled hand, combined with the mechanical process of lithography, bridges the gap between fine art and industrial production. So, next time you look at a print, remember the intricate dance between artist, material, and machine that brings it to life. Appreciating the making is key to understanding the art itself.