Docteur... je ne suis pas aussi malade... 1851

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, sometime in the 19th century, using a greasy crayon on a limestone slab, a process that democratized image-making in his time. The richness of tone in this work lies in Daumier's mastery of lithography, transforming a relatively industrial method into an expressive art form. He could create an array of textures, from velvety shadows to crisp lines, using the inherent qualities of the stone and crayon to create an image that speaks to the complexities of labor and class. Daumier masterfully employs the lithographic process to bring attention to societal issues and political events, and highlights how these processes influence the appearance and significance of the artwork. This transforms industrial material into a powerful medium for social commentary. Ultimately, the beauty and meaning of Daumier's lithograph lies not only in its imagery, but also in its material reality and the social context of its creation, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.