Prijs van leugens 1893 - 1894

This sequential narrative, "The Price of a Lie," was created by Imagerie d'Epinal - Pellerin, using printmaking. This reproductive technique – likely lithography – allowed for the wide circulation of images like these, teaching moral lessons to a broad audience. The application of color, probably achieved through a series of lithographic stones, brings the story to life. We can see a girl named Julia caught in a web of deceit, each scene unfolding with clarity. The relatively flat rendering and clear lines speak to the means of production, which prioritizes efficiency and legibility. The paper itself, thin and mass-produced, speaks to the economics of the print. This wasn't meant to be a precious object, but rather a disposable carrier of cultural values. It’s a reminder that images, like any other kind of making, are tied to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By examining the materials and processes, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.