Broadside with 48 scenes of birds 1855 - 1875

This broadside, made by José María Marés in Madrid, presents forty-eight scenes of birds. The print was created through a process of engraving, which involves cutting an image into a block, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. It's a relatively straightforward process, but one that demands a high degree of skill. Consider the amount of labor involved in producing this image. Each bird would have required careful study and precise carving. It's work meant for mass consumption, with a social purpose: to teach and inform. The broadside format was commonly used for distributing news, announcements, and popular imagery. In its way, this unassuming print is related to larger issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By understanding the processes of making, we can fully appreciate its meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.