journey to the Center of the Earth 1864

This image, Journey to the Center of the Earth, was created by Edouard Riou using the technique of wood engraving. The dense cross-hatching and fine lines of the engraving give texture to everything: the jagged rocks, churning sea, and fantastical creatures. The hardness of the wood block against the cutting tool allowed for this incredible detail, which would then be transferred via ink onto paper, a medium perfectly suited for mass production, in this case, of Jules Verne's novel. The image's dramatic chiaroscuro, with bold contrasts between light and shadow, enhances the story's sense of adventure and the sublime. This engraving, like others from the period, owes much to the division of labor that characterized industrial capitalism: the artist created the image, while skilled craftspeople translated that into a printable block. So, next time you see an illustration, remember to consider the materials, the making, and the context. It's not just about what's depicted, but about how it was made, and how that process informs its meaning.