Dood van Frison Seerp Adelen 1842 - 1843

Charles Rochussen made this print, entitled 'Dood van Frison Seerp Adelen', using lithography, a process involving drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating it to accept ink only where the crayon marked. Lithography, though a relatively direct process, allowed for the easy reproduction of images, making it a powerful tool for disseminating visual narratives. Look closely, and you’ll see the subtle gradations of tone achieved through this printing technique. The subject matter - the death of Frison Seerp Adelen - speaks to themes of conflict and sacrifice, rendered through a process that democratized image-making. The lithograph's capacity to circulate images widely aligns with the growing accessibility of information in the 19th century. Rochussen’s choice of lithography connects with wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural and material context in which art is created.