Drie fragmenten van een fries before 1868

William H. Griggs made this print of three fragments of a frieze. It is based on historical sources of Vyara, India. The print is made using the process of chromolithography, and involves the use of multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, carefully aligned to create a complex image. Chromolithography streamlined color printing, and required specialized knowledge of chemistry and printing techniques, making chromolithographers highly skilled workers. This print not only documents historical artifacts, but also reflects the advancements in printing technology of the time, where mass production brought images to a broader audience. Ultimately, chromolithography blurred the lines between art, industry, and labor, demonstrating how images are not just representations, but are also products of their time, deeply intertwined with social and economic systems.