Portret van L. Bouman Possibly 1852 - 1855

This is a portrait of L. Bouman, made by Johann Peter Berghaus, but it is not clear when. It is a sophisticated example of lithography – printmaking using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface. The magic of lithography lies in the tension between grease and water. The artist draws an image on the prepared surface, and it is treated with chemicals so that only the drawing will attract greasy printing ink. The rest of the surface is dampened with water, which the ink will avoid. The surface is inked, and paper pressed to it, transferring the image. Look closely, and you’ll notice the fine hatching used to create tonal gradations. It is a labor-intensive approach, demanding high levels of skill. Berghaus’s artistry lies in this delicate balance of technical mastery, and the social status of the sitter. Through lithography, he elevated printmaking to the realm of fine art. By understanding the materials and making process, we can see how boundaries can be blurred.