Portret van professor Pieter Otto Coenraad Vorsselman de Heer 1822 - 1845

This portrait of professor Pieter Otto Coenraad Vorsselman de Heer was made by an anonymous artist. It is a lithograph, a process which gained popularity in the 19th century. A design is drawn on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treated with chemicals so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. It's a printmaking technique that democratized image production, making art more accessible. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, fitting well with the rise of a commercial culture and a growing middle class eager for affordable art. The process itself, while requiring skill, was less labor-intensive than traditional engraving, reflecting shifts in labor practices during the Industrial Revolution. In this portrait, the material and process contribute to a sense of accessibility and modernity. The softness of the lithographic crayon creates a subtle tonal range, giving the professor a lifelike presence. It's a fascinating intersection of art, technology, and social change.