Fores' Grand Coronation Procession 20 - 1838

This print of a Grand Coronation Procession was made by an anonymous artist, and reproduces an image initially published by Fores. The lithographic process used to make this artwork involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The appeal of lithography in the 19th century was that it allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images. The vivid coloring suggests it would have been popular in a time before mass media. Indeed, the artist has taken great care to capture the minute details of the ceremonial garb, the horses’ livery, and of course the gilded royal carriage itself. While the subject matter reflects the grandeur of the monarchy, the printmaking process speaks to a democratizing impulse, a desire to make these images accessible to a wider public. It’s a reminder that even depictions of power can be shaped by the methods used to produce them.