Drie mannen en een vrouw op het ijs 1842 - 1887

This print, titled "Three Men and a Woman on the Ice," was made by Carel Christiaan Antony Last. The lithographic process allowed Last to create multiple impressions of this drawing, making it accessible to a wider audience. Lithography involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a stone or metal plate, which is then treated to accept ink only in the areas where the crayon was applied. This printmaking technique allowed for relatively quick and easy reproduction, which democratized access to images during this period. Look closely, and you'll notice the artist's subtle gradations of tone, achieved through careful manipulation of the lithographic crayon. Last skillfully captured the textures of clothing and the play of light on the icy surface. The ability to produce images quickly and inexpensively through lithography had a profound impact on visual culture, transforming both the production and consumption of art. This print reflects the changing dynamics of labor, leisure, and social class in 19th-century Dutch society.