Vier figuren onder een groep bomen c. 1850

Louis-Julien Jacottet created this lithograph, ‘Four Figures Under a Group of Trees,’ on paper. Lithography is a fascinating process; it relies on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The artist draws an image with a greasy crayon onto a flat stone or metal plate. Then, the surface is treated so that the image attracts ink, while the surrounding areas repel it. This allows the image to be printed. Jacottet's choice of lithography allows for a remarkable level of detail, evident in the intricate foliage of the trees and the delicate rendering of the figures. Notice the contrast between the rough texture of the tree bark and the smooth coats of the horses, achieved through subtle variations in pressure and tone. The technique also allows for mass production. It democratizes art, making images like these accessible to a wider audience beyond the elite. Considering the materials and the making process helps us appreciate the artistry involved and its broader social context. It challenges the traditional hierarchy that often separates fine art from more accessible forms of visual expression.