Portret van Ernst Ludwig Heim c. 1837 - 1840

This is N.M. Schild’s portrait of Ernst Ludwig Heim, a print on paper now held at the Rijksmuseum. The process by which this image was created is lithography, a printmaking technique using a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws on the surface with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. The print is then made by pressing paper against this inked surface. Looking closely, you can see the subtle gradations of tone and the fine lines achieved through this method. Lithography allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making art more accessible. While the person portrayed certainly belonged to the upper class, the print itself democratized his image, making it available for a wider audience. Considering the material and process of this artwork gives insight into the social and economic context of its creation, reminding us that art is not just about aesthetics, but also about labor, production, and consumption.