Progrès de l'équitation c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made ‘Progrès de l'équitation’ using lithography, a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 19th century. Daumier drew directly onto a stone slab with a greasy crayon, which was then chemically treated to accept ink only where the drawing existed. The grainy texture and subtle tonal variations we see here are characteristic of lithography. It allowed for relatively quick reproduction, ideal for satirical prints commenting on contemporary society. This print would have been produced in large numbers and circulated widely. Daumier’s choice of lithography, a medium accessible to a broad audience, underscores his commitment to social critique. The print’s biting humor, targeting the pretensions of the upper class, is amplified by the very process that allowed it to reach the masses. It’s a reminder that artistic choices about materials and methods can be deeply intertwined with issues of labor, politics, and consumption.