Sept heures 1839

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, Sept heures, using a greasy crayon on a stone matrix. The printmaking technique allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, like this one, for mass consumption in newspapers and journals. The artist drew directly onto the stone surface, exploiting the naturally porous texture to capture subtle tonal variations. Daumier’s heavy reliance on line-work emphasizes the caricatured features of his subjects. Note how the artist made use of hatching and cross-hatching to build up areas of shadow and volume. In 19th-century France, lithography was a powerful tool for social commentary. Daumier uses this print to satirize the bourgeoisie, whose labor generated the wealth of the Second Empire. Here, he critiques their superficiality and moral corruption. By examining Daumier’s process, we can appreciate the significance of printmaking as a medium for social critique and understand how the artist's skilled manipulation of materials amplified the impact of his message. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and popular imagery.