Reineke Fuchs 1857

This illustration of Reineke Fuchs was created by Wilhelm von Kaulbach, using the process of wood engraving. The sharp lines and stark contrast achievable through this method lend themselves well to satirical imagery. Look closely, and you'll notice the meticulous detail, particularly in the textures of the fox's fur, the hanging carcasses, and the stone walls. Wood engraving is an exacting process, requiring a high level of skill to transfer an image onto a block of wood, and then carve away the negative space. The resulting print, like this one, could then be reproduced many times over in books and periodicals. This speaks to the rise of mass media in the 19th century, and the growing accessibility of images to a wider audience. The labor-intensive process of wood engraving stands in contrast to the mass production it enabled. Consider, then, how the craft of image-making intersects with the emerging culture of consumption. It reminds us that even seemingly simple illustrations are products of skilled labor, and complex social forces.