Jongen verdedigt zich tegenover de beschuldigingen van een oude leraar 1834

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet made this lithograph, “Boy Defending Himself Against an Old Teacher’s Accusations,” sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The artist would have drawn the image onto a flat stone surface with a greasy crayon, then treated the stone so that ink would adhere only to the drawn areas. This print, therefore, is evidence of a direct, physical interaction. Look at the image itself. Notice how Charlet used the lithographic crayon to create a range of textures, from the smooth surfaces of the globe to the rough fabrics of the clothing. There is a palpable tension between the accusing teacher and the defiant student, visible in their gestures and postures. Consider the labor that went into producing this image, both by the artist and the printer. The availability of prints such as these democratized art. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate how it reflects broader social and cultural values.