Mr. Jamieson as Brutus: "I would not Cassius; Yet I love him well" (Julius Caesar Act I, Scene II) 1855

This print, made by Martin & Johnson in New York, showcases Mr. Jamieson in the role of Brutus. It was made using lithography, a technique of printing from a flat stone or metal plate. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, and this print likely served as a commercial product, perhaps sold to theatergoers or admirers of Mr. Jamieson. The material qualities of the print—its paper, its monochrome palette—speak to its function as a widely distributed image, rather than a unique art object. The image itself presents Brutus in a moment of contemplation, wrestling with his love for Caesar and his duty to Rome. The surrounding imagery, including scenes from Roman history and theater, adds to the sense of historical drama. The print, in its material form and imagery, reflects the 19th-century fascination with classical themes and the burgeoning culture of mass media.