Portret van prins Ferdinand-Philippe d'Orléans 1817 - 1836

This is Nicolas Toussaint Charlet's portrait of Prince Ferdinand-Philippe d'Orléans, made with lithography. The lithographic process is key here. It's 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. This allows for relatively quick and easy reproduction, fitting into the rise of mass media in the 19th century. Notice the fine lines and subtle gradations of tone. Charlet skillfully uses the lithographic crayon to capture the details of the Prince's uniform and the soft texture of his hair. This print democratized access to royal portraiture. The means of production profoundly shapes not only the artwork's appearance, but also its cultural impact and accessibility. It brings royal portraiture into the realm of broader circulation.