Tomb of Secrets /Cover of sheet music c. 19th century

Editor: This is the cover of sheet music for "Tomb of Secrets" by Victor Coindre. It seems to be a lithograph. I’m struck by the depiction of the writer's booth. What can you tell me about the means of production and social context? Curator: Consider the materiality. Lithography enabled mass production, making sheet music affordable. The writer, likely a public scribe, served a vital function for those who couldn't write. This challenges our notions of 'high art,' highlighting the labor involved in disseminating popular culture. Editor: That's interesting. So, the cover itself becomes a commentary on accessibility and social class. Curator: Precisely. The cover serves as both advertisement and a reflection of the society it was made for. What do you make of that? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks!