Which best explains why early print sources have very few illustrations
One possible explanation is that early print sources had very few illustrations due to the limitations of printing technology. In the early stages of printing, illustrations were often created through woodcut or engraving techniques, which were time-consuming and required skilled craftsmen. These illustrations had to be carved or engraved onto blocks of wood or metal and then printed along with the text. This process was costly and time-consuming, making it difficult to include many illustrations in printed materials.
Additionally, early printing presses were not as advanced as modern ones, and they had limited capabilities for reproducing detailed images. The printing equipment and techniques of that time were more suited for producing large quantities of text rather than intricate illustrations.
Moreover, paper was expensive during this period, and large, detailed illustrations would have required more pages and increased the cost of production. Therefore, many early print sources, such as books and newspapers, opted to focus on text rather than illustrations to make them more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Furthermore, the primary purpose of early print sources was often to disseminate information or convey ideas rather than to provide visual appeal. As a result, illustrations were considered secondary to the written content and were only included when they were deemed necessary or relevant to the text.
Overall, the limitations of printing technology, cost considerations, and the primary focus on textual content are the main factors that explain why early print sources had very few illustrations.