Daniel Maclise, Esq., R.A., from "Illustrated News of the World" 1859

This print of Daniel Maclise was made by Daniel John Pound, and published in the Illustrated News of the World, a popular periodical of its day. In mid-19th century Britain, illustrated papers and magazines rose to prominence. The expansion of the printing press and the relaxation of stamp duty allowed such magazines to reach a wider audience. These magazines weren't just news sources; they were cultural institutions that shaped public opinion and taste. The "Illustrated News of the World" was one of these, and portraits of leading figures like Maclise were a regular feature. Maclise was a prominent artist, a member of the Royal Academy, hence the "R. A." after his name here. Prints like these played a crucial role in constructing the public image of artists and solidifying their place in the cultural landscape. By looking at archives of periodicals like "Illustrated News of the World," we can better understand the social and institutional context that shaped the production and reception of art in the 19th century.