You must be a great sorceress 1900

Editor: Here we have "You Must Be A Great Sorceress" by William Wallace Denslow, created around 1900. The monochrome palette and flat, graphic style give it a distinctly otherworldly, almost dreamlike quality. What strikes you about this work? Curator: The stark color palette points to a specific production choice. Note the process. Likely printed using early offset lithography, possibly zinc plates, if we consider the production timelines in popular illustration at the turn of the century. How does the technical constraint, the choice to economize, shape the reading of this piece? Editor: I see, the technical aspect shapes the artistic expression. But what about the choice of subject matter? It seems intentionally whimsical. Curator: Precisely. How is this illustration manufactured and for whom? Denslow made his mark illustrating children's books; that is to say, cultural and commercial objects manufactured at an industrial scale. Understanding the societal function and economic viability of these materials gives insight into their existence. It also encourages a more nuanced viewing. Does the style or technique of production inform the narrative of wonder it depicts? Editor: I see what you mean. Knowing that it was made to be mass-produced changes the way I think about it. It's not just a pretty image. Curator: Consider the paper quality, ink consistency, and the printing process itself. These materials and methods weren't merely tools; they played a crucial role in shaping the artwork's final form and reaching a wide audience. The mode of manufacture informs our interpretation. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how deeply the artwork's physical creation and circulation impact its artistic value. Thanks for expanding my view. Curator: Indeed. Recognizing the materiality encourages more complex and thoughtful views on art-making and the art world.