Jongeman probeert jonge vrouw aan te spreken op straat 1843

This print, by Paul Gavarni, was made using lithography, a technique that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Unlike etching or engraving, which demand highly specialized skills, lithography allowed for a more direct transfer of the artist's hand. The process begins with a smooth stone, upon which the artist draws with a greasy crayon. The stone is then treated with chemicals, so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. When printed, the image possesses a velvety texture, a direct trace of the artist's original mark. Consider how this relative ease of production might have influenced Gavarni’s choice of subject: a fleeting, everyday street scene. Lithography facilitated the mass production of images, and the rise of mass media, mirroring the rapid social changes and the burgeoning culture of observation. The artwork invites us to consider how materials and techniques shape not only what is made, but how we perceive the world around us. It blurs the boundaries between high art and the graphic arts, reflecting a broader shift in cultural values.