Collage of printed elements centered on Women, Children, Family and Rural Life 1862 - 1863

This 1862-1863 collage by the Illman Brothers, titled "Collage of printed elements centered on Women, Children, Family and Rural Life," is a complex composition of various printed elements. It showcases a multitude of figures, including women, children, and families, set against the backdrop of rural life. The collage is characterized by its dense arrangement of images, creating a sense of visual narrative and social commentary. The use of printed elements suggests a connection to the popular culture of the time, with the Illman Brothers employing a technique that was becoming increasingly common in the 19th century. The collage, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a testament to the artistic possibilities of utilizing readily available printed material in a new and innovative way.