Portret van I. I. d'Oliveira c. 1843 - 1856

This print, portraying I.I. d'Oliveira, was made by Bernardus Theodorus van Loo, although the date remains unknown. It is made using a method called lithography, a process which democratized image production in the 19th century. Lithography allowed for detailed images to be reproduced quickly and cheaply, which can be seen here in the fine lines and shading that give the portrait depth. The subject is represented in great detail through delicate work, and the texture of the clothing is rendered carefully, reflecting the status of the sitter, a man of importance. But lithography wasn't just about artistry; it was deeply tied to industrialization and the rise of mass media. It provided work for skilled artisans, who transferred the image to stone or metal plates ready for printing, but it also represented a shift towards mechanized production. Considering this, we can view the image as more than just a portrait, but as a product of its time, reflecting the complex interplay between art, labor, and technological progress.