Portret van generaal Francisco Espoz y Mina 1833 - 1850

This is a portrait of General Francisco Espoz y Mina, created by Nicolas Maurin, who was active in the first half of the 19th century. It's made using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the smooth, flat surface of a stone or metal plate. In lithography, the image is drawn onto the prepared surface with a greasy crayon, which attracts ink, while the blank areas are treated to repel it. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This process enabled artists like Maurin to produce multiple copies of their work, making art more accessible to a wider audience. It also reduced the amount of work involved in the production process. The lithographic process lends itself to the detailed depiction we see here, from the General's uniform, to the dramatic landscape in the background. This work shows us how closely connected artistic expression is with the means of its production, and invites us to think about the social and economic context in which it was made.