John's Arrival 

John Leech made this lively illustration using ink on paper. It depicts a fantastical scene of babies descending, seemingly from the sky, with books in hand. Leech's choice of ink and paper lends itself to the mass reproduction of printed images, a hallmark of the 19th century and its burgeoning print culture. The fine lines and detailed cross-hatching, achieved through engraving, speak to the skilled labor involved in preparing images for publication. The material's very nature enabled the wide distribution of imagery, influencing public opinion and shaping social narratives. The swarm of babies with books suggests education being delivered to the masses, and the imagery engages with wider social issues of knowledge, enlightenment, and the changing landscape of literacy during this era. By considering the material and processes behind this illustration, we recognize its connection to the wider world of print, labor, and cultural dissemination.