Fotoreproductie van een illustratie door Thomas Stothard voor Eens Christens reize naar de Eeuwigheid door John Bunyan before 1881

This photomechanical reproduction pictures an illustration by Thomas Stothard for John Bunyan’s *Pilgrim’s Progress*. The printmaking process allowed images to be reproduced quickly and widely, making illustrated books more affordable to a broader readership. Look closely, and you’ll see the way the image relies on line and tone, achieved through techniques like engraving or etching. These techniques are labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to transfer Stothard’s design onto a metal plate. The resulting prints, however, democratized access to art, albeit in a form far removed from traditional painting or sculpture. The social context here is key. *Pilgrim’s Progress*, a deeply allegorical story of faith, resonated with a growing middle class seeking moral guidance and entertainment. The book’s mass production reflects the burgeoning publishing industry, fueled by industrialization and a demand for accessible literature. The very nature of the reproduction challenges conventional ideas about artistic value and originality. It invites us to consider the role of craft, labor, and accessibility in shaping our understanding of art and its place in society.