Copyright: Public domain
Here we see a lithograph of the Steamer Pilgrim, part of the 'old' Fall River Line, made by Currier and Ives between 1857 and 1907. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick and cheap reproduction of images. It democratized image production and consumption, making art accessible to a wider audience. The print’s materiality affects its appearance, with the smooth surface of the paper supporting the detailed illustration. It speaks to the explosion of maritime travel and trade in the 19th century. The work encapsulates social issues of labor, politics, and consumption of leisure, as transatlantic travel became increasingly normalized, and thus commodified. The Steamer Pilgrim celebrates engineering and industrial advancement. The work is infused with social and cultural significance, as it captures the optimism of the Industrial Revolution. As such, the print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, while also making such images widely available.
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