Vogelen 1850

This sheet of paper, titled "Vogelen", or "Birds" was made by Jan Schuitemaker, though we do not know exactly when. It’s a lithograph, printed in black ink. Look closely, and you'll notice the images are created through a process of transferring ink from a stone or metal plate. The texture, the graphic quality, comes directly from the artist's hand as he drew on that surface. It is a commercial print, one of a series of images. These were produced to be sold widely. Consider the labor involved in producing numerous copies, each carrying the artist's design, the printer's skill, and the publisher's intent to create a commodity. The choice of medium—lithography—reflects a desire for efficient and economical production. Yet, the design retains a handmade quality. It occupies a space somewhere between mass production and individual artistry. Understanding the context of materials and making allows us to appreciate the role of such objects in society, challenging assumptions about value and the distinction between art and everyday items.