Scène uit ballet Don José 1868

Charles Rochussen created this lithograph of a scene from the ballet Don José. It was printed by Lith. v. Dieperink & Co in Amsterdam. Lithography is a printing process using a flat stone or metal plate on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance so that the ink will adhere to them, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent. The lithographic process enabled Rochussen to reproduce the ballet scene with impressive detail. The soft, grainy texture of the lithographic ink lends a sense of depth and atmosphere to the composition. Look closely and you can appreciate the contrasts of light and shadow, which bring a sense of drama and dynamism to the scene. This method of printing allowed for mass production, so the image could reach a wider audience. Lithographs democratized art, bringing scenes from high culture, like ballet, to a broader public, demonstrating how artistic expression is deeply intertwined with social context.