Survey 4 – Steam and the speed of light (1750-1850)

Friedrich Koenig’s Steam Press

The steam press was invented by Friedrich Koenig in 1814. It was created with the combination of the power of steam and rotating cylinders. This was a massive improvement towards media and printing compared to Gutenberg’s printing press which was invented over 350 years ago. Gutenberg’s printing press could only print 240 pages an hour compared to the new and improved steam press which could print 1100 pages an hour. Koenigs steam press printed for The Times in London newspaper which started in 1785 and is still active today, known as The Times. The speed at which it could print caused newspapers to be cheaper and more accessible to everyone. This resulted in people being more informed and up to date in the news and information. Books, magazines, catalogues, and other printed media also became popular during this time. Unfortunately, many workers in the industry were rearranged or put out of work, as the improved technology required very little human labour.

Japanese Ukiyo-e

The Great Wave off Kanagawa Print by Hokusai

Japanese ukiyo-e started around the late 1600s. It showed present-day social life and common people in Japan, unlike old European art which focused on Christ and higher power people. Entertainment was also an influence on their art, for example, bijin-ga (beautiful women) and yakusha-e (kabuki actors) were popular as fashion magazines. With very little advertisement in japan culture, ukiyo-e could be portrayed as newspapers, flyers, and fashion or travel magazines. In the 1800s japan ukiyo-e was introduced to European cultures through the form of wrapping paper to wrap other goods such as lacquerware, pottery and porcelain. The Japanese style was such a new concept to Europeans as Japan had little contact with the outside world. Japanese art, which became known as Japonism became popular and a great influence on European works of art. Many art dealers imported Japanese art for artists and collectors. Van Gogh was one artist known to collect and be influenced by ukiyo-e.