Cathedral Rock, La Jolla, Near San Diego, California, No. 6118 1899

This colorized print of Cathedral Rock, La Jolla, was created around 1899 by the Detroit Publishing Company. This wasn't just a picture; it was a product made using a highly efficient form of industrial image production. Notice how the photochrom process gives the image an almost hyper-real quality. It begins with a black and white photograph, and then light-sensitive enamel is applied to lithographic stones. Each stone is exposed to the original negative, allowing for the transfer of a specific tonal range. Skilled printers then applied different colors to each stone, layering them to create the final vibrant image. This technique allowed for mass production, turning landscapes like Cathedral Rock into widely available commodities. The Detroit Publishing Company capitalized on the popular desire for scenic views, while also creating a visual record of a rapidly changing world. So, next time you see a postcard, remember the layers of labor and industrial processes that made it possible. It blurs the line between art, craft, and the business of image-making.