Portret van Charles van Beveren 1837 - 1850

Evert Slaghek created this portrait of Charles van Beveren using lithography, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 19th century. Lithography depends on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. The artist draws on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applies water. Ink adheres only to the greasy areas, allowing for a print. Look closely and you’ll see the subtle texture of the crayon strokes, giving the image a soft, almost photographic quality. The process allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making images like this accessible to a wider audience. It speaks to the rise of a middle class, eager to consume portraits and other printed materials. This wasn't just art; it was a commodity, produced through a blend of artistic skill and industrial efficiency. By understanding the lithographic process, we can appreciate how printmaking technologies transformed both art and society.