Herinneringen 1835

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet made this print, Herinneringen, using lithography, a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Here, the technique lends itself well to the depiction of everyday life. Charlet captures a moment of reflection, perhaps a soldier recalling his past. The use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and texture, inviting us to consider the social context of the scene. By embracing lithography, Charlet aligned himself with a burgeoning culture of mass production, challenging the traditional hierarchies of art and craft. It reminds us that the means of production are never neutral; they shape both the artwork and its reception.