Portret van Sophie van Württemberg 1839 - 1899

This delicate portrait of Sophie van Württemberg was created by an anonymous artist using the technique of lithography. Lithography, unlike traditional printmaking methods, relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The artist would have drawn Sophie's image onto a smooth stone with a greasy crayon. Then, after treating the stone, ink would adhere only to the drawn areas, allowing for the transfer of the image to paper. The subtle gradations of tone and fine lines suggest a high degree of skill, and possibly multiple runs through the press. Lithography's rise in the 19th century made image reproduction faster and cheaper, democratizing art but also impacting the livelihoods of skilled printmakers. This portrait, multiplied and distributed, speaks to the complex relationship between art, technology, and social change. Appreciating this artwork means acknowledging the social context of its creation.