Paarden met ruiters springen over een hek c. 1825 - 1827

Bernard Édouard Swebach created this print of horses and riders jumping over a fence sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It’s made using a technique called lithography, which involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then using ink to transfer that image onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the image has a soft, almost smoky quality. This is a direct result of the lithographic process, which allows for subtle gradations of tone. It was a popular method for mass-producing images during the 19th century. Swebach, along with other printmakers, played a crucial role in disseminating images to a wider public. Lithography democratized art by making it more accessible. But it also highlights the changing relationship between art, labor, and consumption in the industrial age. The process demands skilled labor, yet its purpose is to create multiples, reflecting the shift towards mass production. So, this print invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped both its creation and reception.