Goddess Bagala 1875 - 1885

This print, ‘Goddess Bagala’ was made by Sasadhar Banarjee, using the relatively new technology of chromolithography. It’s a process that allows for multiple colors to be printed on a single sheet. Bagalamukhi is one of the ten Mahavidyas or wisdom goddesses in Hinduism, and the print shows her wielding power, paralyzing an enemy. What is really interesting is the way this imagery was brought into being. Chromolithography emerged in the 19th century, as advances in chemistry and printing technology converged. The process involved drawing the image on a series of lithographic stones or metal plates, one for each color. It was a labor-intensive process, requiring a skilled hand to transfer the artist’s vision onto the printing surface. The resulting prints allowed for mass production of colorful images at an affordable price, an early form of media distribution. So, the next time you see a chromolithograph, remember that it is not just an image, but also a testament to the ingenuity of the printing industry, and its role in popularizing visual culture.