I downloaded an illustration (a jpeg of an artwork) from a stock photography site. It listed the Raw size as 12MB and the file dimensions as 2048x2048.

When I downloaded the file I was surprised to find it was only 160kB. I had expected at least 1-2MB. However the image is identified as being 2048 x 2048 on whatever photo browser I use, and it looks OK on screen. Haven't done a print yet but I am concerned the quality might be compromised as it is intended to illustrate a print article.

Does this just mean they used super-high jpeg compression and is this sort of thing normal with stock sites? Is it likely to be siginificantly lower quality than a less compressed jpeg when printed at say, 75mm x 50mm?

would appreciate any light anyone can shed.

Many Thanks,
Wayne