Nineteenth Century Illustrations in “Cosmorama Pittorico”

Abstract

The nineteenth century was unquestionably the era of the journal. Numerous daily and weekly publications on politics, commerce, science, literature, the arts and, above all, culture, appeared in leading cities across Europe and Italy. The essay looks at the images published in one of Italy’s first illustrated journals, published from 1835 to 1848. Like so many others, its primary aim was to educate readers and generate interest through images. Great stock was placed in the graphic communication of illustrations created by a sizeable group of largely unknown artists. Their contribution would influence tastes and the drive toward cultural transformation. While the majority hailed from art academies there was also always a notable level of practical experience behind these illustrations for the masses. New printing techniques, substantiated by technological advances, stimulated the renewal of the publishing industry. Information moved beyond regional boundaries into a sort of globalisation. Organisational skills were honed and access to knowledge and new relations amplified.