Liggende, naakte vrouw in landschap c. 1930

Ker Xavier Roussel made this lithograph, "Liggende, naakte vrouw in landschap," using a stone matrix and greasy black ink. The lithographic process allows for a softness, a tonal range not typical of all printmaking. Look closely at the blurred edges and hazy atmosphere, achieved by drawing on the stone. The artist would have needed both skill with draughtsmanship, and knowledge of the printing process, to create such a fluid image. The effect is quite painterly. Consider the division of labor at play here. Roussel was not only the artist, but also reliant on the expertise of a printer to pull the image from the stone. This collaborative aspect highlights the social dimensions of printmaking, blurring the line between unique artwork and mass-produced object. This piece invites us to consider the labor and skills involved in its making, reminding us that even seemingly spontaneous artworks are the product of careful craft and collaboration.