Vrouw met takkenbos en figuren 1808

This lithograph, ‘Woman with Bundle of Twigs and Figures,’ was made by Jacob Ernst Marcus. The image has the quality of a quick sketch, created using the lithographic printing process, which involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a stone or metal plate, then using ink to transfer the design to paper. The material qualities of lithography allowed artists to create multiples of their drawings, expanding the reach of their work. Marcus’s choice of subject is notable, as the figures portrayed here seem to represent the working class. The lithograph's creation is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The amount of work and skill involved in the production process is remarkable, showing how artists engaged with different creative practices and aesthetics. Paying attention to materials, making, and context helps us to understand the full meaning of an artwork and blur the lines between fine art and craft.