Loss of the Kent, East Indiaman n.d.

This print of "Loss of the Kent, East Indiaman" was made by the firm of Kronheim & Co., using a process called chromolithography. Instead of traditional etching or engraving, which rely on linear marks, chromolithography involved using multiple stones, one for each color, to build up a complete image. This allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive creation of color prints. The process democratized image-making, making it available to a wider public, and aligning it more closely with the speed and scale of industrial production. This particular print depicts a dramatic maritime disaster. "East Indiamen" like the Kent were vital to the British Empire's economy and global reach, transporting goods and personnel between Britain and its colonies. The sinking of such a ship represented a significant material and symbolic loss. Prints such as this helped to circulate news and shape public opinion. As we consider this image, let's remember that the techniques and materials used to create it are just as important as the scene it depicts, in understanding its cultural significance.