Portret van Willem, prins der Nederlanden 1865 - 1884

This is a portrait of Willem, Prince of the Netherlands, made by Nicolaas Johannes Wilhelmus de Roode using lithography. Lithography is a printmaking technique where an image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then printed. Look closely at the image; you can see the subtle tonal variations and fine lines, achieved through the lithographic process. Lithography emerged in the late 18th century, representing a technological shift from hand-carved woodcuts or engravings to a process that was faster, cheaper, and could produce more copies. This was crucial for disseminating images and information widely, reflecting the rise of mass media and print culture. Consider the social implications: lithography democratized image-making, enabling broader access to portraits and other visual representations, but also potentially impacting the livelihoods of traditional printmakers. So, next time you see a lithograph, remember that it's not just an image, it's a product of technological change, labor, and the evolving relationship between art and industry.