Spotprent 1877

This print, made by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans in 1877, depicts a barricade made from hay bales rendered in expressive strokes of ink. These are inscribed with words like "ground tax" and "copyright" – timely political issues, no doubt, but now largely lost to us. The artist would have transferred a drawing onto a lithographic stone, then built up tones and lines with grease crayons. The drawing is then fixed and treated, so that ink adheres only to the greasy image. The print is pulled, and the process repeated. Lithography was a revolutionary process when introduced, as it democratized image production; no need for the skill of an engraver, just a good drawing. The work appears to critique those in power, represented behind the barricade, seemingly unable to see over it and thus out of touch. The artist's choice of lithography, a relatively accessible medium, mirrors the print's subject: a commentary on political power and social issues, readily disseminated to a wide audience through mechanized production. Understanding the materials and processes not only illuminates the artwork's creation but also its engagement with broader societal concerns.