Lehel 1828

This is Josef Kriehuber's depiction of Lehel, made using lithography, a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 19th century. Note the labor involved in creating the depicted objects. The chainmail and the blade of the sword were forged and assembled link by link, likely by a local artisan. The textiles, too, each woven with care. The horn in Lehel's left hand would have been carefully shaped and polished. The artist makes the viewer aware of the artistry of the objects; these are not simply functional items, but signifiers of status, identity, and martial prowess. In doing so, Kriehuber elevates the role of craft and maker. These observations are vital to understanding the artwork's full significance, and encourage a blurring of the lines between fine art and craft.