GRAPHIC ARTS

At the end of the 19th century, publishing production began to grow and new reproduction techniques were developed: xylography, chalcography, lithography and chromolithography. The technical limitations of printing meant photos could not be reproduced, so to publish them, they had to be copied and engraved. Drawers and engravers worked for the media and for shipping, to advertise their journeys, personalise documents and decorate promotional objects.

In the middle of the 19th century, the invention of photoengraving increased the scientific and informational value of the illustrations. The monotype (1884), linotype (1887) and later typographic techniques would be replaced by photographic techniques, such as photocomposition.

The shipping companies, particularly passenger lines, commissioned graphic designers for advertising campaigns. The designer, unlike previous portrait artists, removed details, highlighted unique features and always included the name to identify the ship.