Artwork

L'art de la lithographie: Head of an Amazon

L'art de la lithographie: Head of an Amazon, by Alois Senefelder, 1819
L'art de la lithographie: Head of an Amazon, by Alois Senefelder, 1819

L'art de la lithographie: Head of an Amazon is a print by the Romanticist artist Alois Senefelder. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

L'art de la lithographie: Head of an Amazon is a lithographic print created by Alois Senefelder in 1819, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a classical figure of an Amazon, identified by her helmet with a plume and breastplate, conveying strength and power. Her serious expression and loose, curly hair add to the portrayal.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the work showcases Senefelder's use of lithography. The classical style, combined with dramatic elements, aligns with the Romantic movement's aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created in 1819 by German artist Alois Senefelder, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Part of the broader Romantic movement, this work reflects the era's fascination with classical themes and expressive, often dramatic, representations.

Legacy

Serving as a representative example of Senefelder's lithographic technique and Romantic style, it contributes to the understanding of early 19th-century European art practices.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alois Senefelder

Artist

Alois Senefelder

Johann Alois Senefelder was a German actor and playwright who invented the printing technique of lithography in the 1790s.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.