Allerlei 1861 - 1929

This print, called "Allerlei," was made by F. Spyers, but the date is unknown. It's a lithograph, a printing process that allows for relatively quick and cheap reproduction of images and text, and it makes me think about the relationship between art and labor. The drawing style itself has a very hand-worked feel, but it's been transferred onto a stone, then printed many times over – a distinctly industrial approach. The overall effect is very much of its time, the mid-19th century, when new technologies like lithography were transforming visual culture. The array of scenes and subjects presented hints at the varied experiences of society, pointing to social issues such as poverty. Lithography democratized image-making, so it's no surprise that artists used the process to make commentary about the world around them. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the product of specific materials, processes, and social contexts. Understanding these factors allows us to appreciate the full meaning of the artwork, challenging the traditional separation of art and craft.