Bryllupsfestligheder i Alsace 1848 - 1870

Joel Ballin made this print, *Bryllupsfestligheder i Alsace,* using a method called lithography. It's a printmaking process where an image is drawn on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance. Then, the stone is treated so that ink sticks only to the greasy areas, and the image can be printed. Here, the lithographic process allows for a high level of detail, capturing the textures of the Alsatian garments and the wooden interior. The material has influenced its appearance, imbuing the artwork with a sense of realism. Ballin engaged with the skilled traditions of printmaking, and he was part of a broader history of creative practices, alongside that of craft and fine arts. The amount of work involved in lithography is substantial, requiring both artistic skill and technical expertise to create the final print. By focusing on the material and the making process, we can understand the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.