Vier mannen in zeventiende-eeuws kostuum 1847 - 1865

Charles Rochussen made this print of four men in seventeenth-century costume, but without giving us the date we can’t be sure when he made it. Lithography is a printmaking process based on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The artist draws an image on a flat stone or metal plate using a greasy crayon or ink. Then, the surface is dampened with water, which adheres only to the non-greasy areas. When an oily ink is applied, it sticks only to the greasy drawing. Finally, paper is pressed against the surface, transferring the image. Lithography lent itself to relatively quick production, enabling the wide distribution of images. This print is a fine example of lithography's ability to capture intricate details, particularly in the costumes and facial expressions of the figures. The print captures a sense of historical reenactment, as lithography allowed for the democratization of imagery, making historical and cultural representations accessible to a broader audience.