Masks and faces 1857 - 1858

Paul Gavarni made this lithograph, Masks and faces, using ink on paper. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the contrast between oily and water-based substances. Gavarni would have drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applied ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. The print is then made by pressing the paper against the plate. The lithographic process allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making it a popular medium for social commentary. The artist’s skilled handling of the crayon creates a range of tonal effects, from delicate shading to bold, expressive lines, which you can see in the figure’s face. Gavarni's choice of lithography reflects the increasing industrialization of the art world in the 19th century, and how new technologies were being used to democratize image-making. By understanding the materials and processes behind this print, we can appreciate how Gavarni used the means of production to make art accessible to a wider audience.