Die Prinzessin Und Der Schweinehirt 1897

This color lithograph was created by the Viennese artist Heinrich Lefler, around the turn of the century. The smooth surface of the print belies the complex process used to create it. Lithography involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Each color requires a separate plate, demanding precise alignment. In this example, Lefler uses a limited palette and outline to evoke a sense of fairy-tale whimsy. Notably, Lefler was a stage designer as well as a painter and graphic artist. That theatrical sensibility is evident here, with the figures arranged almost like actors on a stage. The subject, a princess and a swineherd, is framed by elegant, stylized lines and soft colors. The women's elaborate costumes and haughty expressions contrast with the swineherd's humble attire, highlighting the social hierarchy of the story. By examining the materials and making of this print, we gain insight into Lefler's artistic vision and the cultural context in which he worked.