Spotprent met pijprokende mannen tussen buskruit en dynamiet before 1887

This lithograph, made by Willem Steelink II, shows pipe-smoking men amongst gunpowder and dynamite. Lithography, a printing technique using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface, allowed for mass production of images like this one. Look at the sharp lines and detailed textures achievable through this method. The artist could depict a scene filled with figures, weaponry, and explosive materials, each rendered with precision. The choice of lithography speaks to the intent of reaching a wide audience with a critical message. Consider how this mode of production aligns with the social context of the artwork, and how this piece engages with labor, class, politics, and consumption during its time. The industrial materials and the scenes of conflict point to the amount of work involved in war and its consequences. By understanding its materials, making, and context, we appreciate the full meaning of this work, moving beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.