Een paard wordt beslagen 1823

This print, "Een paard wordt beslagen," was created by Théodore Géricault using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images. The process involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applying ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. Here, Géricault captures the everyday scene of a horse being shod. Look closely, and you see the amount of labor involved: the farrier's focused effort, the horse's patient stance, and the equipment required for this essential task. The print suggests an awareness of the working class. By using lithography, Géricault made this image accessible to a wider audience. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, emphasizing the importance of both materials and the social context in which art is created.