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The Transformation of the Medium and Meaning of Illustration in Early Nineteenth-Century America," Presented by Dr. Chris Lukasik (Purdue)

While the significance of illustration to the rise of a mass visual culture across the nineteenth century has been well documented, our understanding of what illustration meant during the period leading up to its dominance remains confused. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this talk examines the transformations in the medium and meaning of illustration as they appear in periodicals published in America from 1775 to 1825. Evidence from this case study will be discussed as it pertains to the study of literature, art history, and book history as well as our understanding of the rise of optical media across the nineteenth century.