Portret van Th. Rol 1869 - 1885

Johannes Moesman rendered this portrait of Th. Rol using a technique called lithography, a printmaking process that relies on the chemistry of oil and water. The artist would have drawn the image on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance. This surface is then treated so that the ink adheres only to the drawn areas, allowing the image to be transferred to paper. Lithography democratized image production. Unlike engraving, which requires specialized tools and skills, lithography allowed artists to create prints directly from their drawings. It brought art to a wider audience, enabling mass production of images for books, newspapers, and advertisements. The subtlety of tone and line visible here speaks to Moesman's mastery of the medium. So, next time you see a lithograph, remember that it's not just an image, but a testament to the power of accessible art-making.