Flight of the Queen of James II, from "Illustrated London News" 1872

Richard Principal Leitch made this print, "Flight of the Queen of James II," for the Illustrated London News, using a technique called wood engraving. This process involves carving an image into a block of wood – a dense, hard material that allows for fine detail. The very act of producing images for mass consumption like this involved a division of labor. An artist created the initial design, which was then translated by skilled engravers into the blocks used for printing. This allowed for the wide distribution of news and illustrations to a growing readership in the Victorian era. The texture and weight of the paper are also important, as this dictated how well the image would be received by the public. The intense, dark marks of the engraving create a dramatic scene, reflecting the intensity of the historical narrative. This print isn’t simply an artwork; it’s a product of its time, reflecting industrialization, labor practices, and the rise of mass media. By understanding these material and social contexts, we gain a richer appreciation of its meaning, and we can challenge conventional distinctions between fine art and printed image.