1088

About this artwork

Aankoop uit het F.G. Waller-Fonds

Art Historical Context

**1088** by E.A. Coulon is a striking lithograph from 1895, measuring 350mm high by mm wide. Created during the vibrant fin de siècle period, this work exemplifies the artistry of printmaking at a time when lithography was revolutionizing visual culture. The medium, invented in the late 18th century allowed artists to draw directly on stone with greasy crayons, producing rich tonal variations and editions for wider audiences—perfect for posters, illustrations, and fine art reproductions. In the 1890s, lithography flourished amid the poster boom in Europe, bridging fine art and commercial design. Coulon's piece, with its modest yet precise dimensions, likely reflects this era's emphasis on accessible beauty, possibly tied to advertising, book illustration, or decorative prints. Though details on its exact subject remain elusive, its inclusion in museum holdings underscores its merit. Acquired through the F.G. Waller-Fonds—a fund established by Dutch collector Frederik Willem Waller to enrich public collections of prints—this lithograph highlights 19th-century philanthropy in preserving graphic arts. Waller’s legacy at institutions like the Rijksmuseum ensures such works endure, offering visitors a window into overlooked gems of late Victorian ingenuity.