Italian No.1a 1856

Owen Jones created ‘Italian No. 1a,’ a vibrant lithograph, in the 19th century. Not a traditional art material, but rather a mechanical means for producing images. The technique involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then using chemical processes to transfer the design to paper. Look closely, and you'll see how the lithographic process enables the fine details and vibrant colors that define this print. Jones skillfully uses the medium to reproduce intricate patterns and motifs inspired by Italian Renaissance design. The texture is smooth but the visual effect is rich. Jones was deeply interested in the history of ornament. Here, he shows how the division of labor, which underpinned industrial capitalism, could be turned towards the revival of historical styles. Rather than original craftsmanship, we see reproduced images which could be disseminated widely. ‘Italian No. 1a’ is more than just a pretty picture; it’s a product of its time, reflecting broader trends in design, technology, and society. It shows how the making of images is tied to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption.