View of the Castle of the Moors near Sintra 1840

Clementine de Brelaz created this lithograph, “View of the Castle of the Moors near Sintra,” using limestone and greasy crayons. The graphic arts rely on an indirect form of image production; the artist doesn’t create the final product, but instead an intermediate matrix from which many impressions can be pulled. Here, the rough texture of the stone adds depth to the scene. The artist’s hand is evident in the subtle gradations of tone, achieved by carefully layering the crayon. Consider the labor involved in quarrying, transporting, and preparing the limestone, as well as the skilled work of the printer who transferred the image to paper. Lithography democratized image-making, allowing for mass production and wider distribution, in contrast to unique, hand-painted artworks. By understanding the material processes behind this image, we can appreciate its place in a changing world of art and industry.