Art, technology and graphic practices in the material history of illustrated newspapers. Buenos Aires (1860-1920)

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century, the production of printed objects suffered a process of industrialization that took part in the expansion and greater circulation of illustrated periodicals, whose popularity increased in the context of a visual culture that, in material terms, was becoming more intense.

This paper attempts to chart some traces of the material aspects involved in this process by revisiting primary sources and artefacts produced by the graphic culture. Through a number of leading cases and enterprises, the paper presents a process of industrialization that interacted with artistic knowledge in the production of images, without dismissing craftsmanship or artisanal skills and traditions.