Omslag voor twaalf prenten met plekken in Parijs 1829

This unassuming piece of paper was likely made by Victor Adam in the 19th century. But consider the material itself: paper, a seemingly simple thing, but actually a fascinating example of industrial production. Think of the labor required to make it, from harvesting the raw materials to processing them into pulp, and then pressing and drying the sheets. Even the creation of a blank sheet like this involved a complex division of labor, a sign of burgeoning capitalism. Although it is 'blank', the paper would have served a vital function in circulating Adam's art, enabling the mass distribution of prints of Paris. The social context of the time was changing rapidly, and Adam was there to document it, with paper as his facilitator. Next time you encounter a seemingly simple material, take a moment to consider its origins, the labor involved in its creation, and the ways in which it connects to broader social and economic forces.