Two Lawyers II 

Honore Daumier sketched "Two Lawyers II" using pen, ink wash, and charcoal, materials that allow for both precision and expressive looseness. The use of wash creates depth and volume, while charcoal lends a raw, immediate quality. This combination is interesting, because traditionally pen and ink wash are considered "fine art" techniques, used for finished drawings, and charcoal is more often associated with preliminary sketches. Daumier's choice speaks to the world of law, where appearances can be deceiving. The lawyers’ heavy robes are rendered with broad strokes, their faces etched with cynicism. You can almost feel the weight of their profession, the moral compromise inherent in their trade. Daumier, who was very interested in lithography and print culture, often chose subjects related to the French bourgeoise, particularly lawyers and politicians, for his works. He held a critical view of French society. Daumier’s drawing reminds us that the choice of materials and making processes are never neutral; they are deeply intertwined with the subject matter and social commentary.