Heures Du Matin. Mme. Neuhaus c. 1830

Achille Devéria created this lithograph, “Heures Du Matin. Mme. Neuhaus,” in the 19th century, using a relatively new printing process which democratized image-making. Lithography allowed for a more immediate mode of production compared to traditional engraving. The artist would draw directly onto a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then chemically treat it so that ink would adhere only to the drawn areas, and the image could be printed. The resulting print has a soft, almost velvety texture, thanks to the lithographic crayon. This method allowed for the easy reproduction of images, fueling the rise of mass media and consumer culture. "Heures Du Matin" is not just a portrait; it's a product of its time, reflecting the changing landscape of art, labor, and consumption. It speaks volumes about the evolving relationship between artist, artwork, and audience in an industrializing world.