The Mission of the Apostles, from "Illustrated London News" 1865

William Luson Thomas made this print of "The Mission of the Apostles" for the *Illustrated London News* using wood engraving, a process that allowed images to be easily reproduced and widely disseminated. The image depicts the apostles at the foot of the cross, ready to spread the gospel. Consider the role of illustrated newspapers in Victorian England. Publications like the *Illustrated London News* brought images of current events, social issues, and religious scenes to a broad audience. This print, based on a painting by Charles Gleyre, reflects the cultural and religious values of the time, emphasizing the importance of faith and the spread of Christianity. The composition, with its emphasis on clarity and emotional impact, aimed to inspire readers and reinforce existing social norms. To understand this print more fully, we might research the circulation and readership of the *Illustrated London News*, and compare its visual style with other religious imagery of the period. This would illuminate the complex relationship between art, media, and society in Victorian England.