Untitled (Robert Laurent in Studio) 1929

Stefan Hirsch made this lithograph, Untitled (Robert Laurent in Studio), using a traditional printmaking process. The image emerges from the smooth, gray surface of the lithographic stone, achieved by the artist’s hand alone. The texture, weight, color, and form of the lithographic crayon, when applied to the stone, directly influence the appearance of the artwork. The artist would have needed skill in drawing, and knowledge of chemistry to prepare the stone and fix the image, before printing it onto paper. The scene shows the studio of Robert Laurent, also an artist. We see his tools, such as the easel and drawing board. He appears to be working on a sculpture. The print thus elevates the artist's workplace as a site of labor and creativity. It emphasizes the amount of work involved in the production process. Paying attention to the materials and processes used by artists such as Hirsch allows us to understand the full meaning of their work, moving beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.