Pax, Goddess of Peace, from the Goddesses of the Greeks and Romans series (N188) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This chromolithograph of Pax, Goddess of Peace, was printed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series, likely in the late 19th century. Chromolithography was a revolutionary printing technique, which allowed for the mass production of color images for the first time. The process involved using multiple limestone blocks, each inked with a different color, and then printed in succession to create a complete image. Look closely, and you can see the build-up of layers. This particular print, originally a trade card, is a testament to the industrialization of image-making during this period. Far from the hand-painted works of previous generations, it was designed to be distributed widely and cheaply, a visual advertisement that equated the company's brand with classical ideals. Consider the labor involved in the production of these cards, and their role in a burgeoning consumer culture. It encourages us to think critically about the relationship between art, commerce, and the changing landscape of work in the industrial age.