Une plaisanterie dont ne se lasse ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, entitled “Une plaisanterie dont ne se lasse...” using a greasy crayon on a flat stone. The image was then transferred to paper using a printing press. This was a popular medium in 19th century France, ideal for social commentary due to its efficiency. Daumier was a master of capturing social tensions, and his work often served as a sharp critique of the bourgeoisie. This image is no exception, displaying a scene of leisure and apparent playfulness that hints at darker undercurrents. Here, we see figures on a dock overlooking swimmers in the water below. One swimmer holds another’s head under, a gesture of aggression masked as a game. The artist's skillful use of line and shading gives the scene a sense of immediacy. Daumier’s choice of lithography as a means of production is significant. It allowed him to create multiple copies of his work quickly and affordably, reaching a wide audience. It’s a prime example of how art can be used to engage with social issues and challenge the status quo, using industrial means to comment on class and labor.