"Those call themselves the Fighters..., how devilish are the others?... " 1858

Curator: Editor: Daumier's lithograph, "Those call themselves the Fighters..., how devilish are the others?... " really strikes a chord with its sharp lines. It feels satirical, but about what exactly? What's your take on its message? Curator: We need to examine the material conditions of its production. Lithography allowed for mass production, making this image accessible to a wide audience. Consider the title and the political climate of the time. How might Daumier be critiquing power structures? Editor: So you're saying the medium itself is part of the message, by making it more widely available? It's a commentary on… colonialism? Curator: Precisely. The means of production influence the message, shaping how it's disseminated and consumed. What do you think about how this image participates in a market of representation? Editor: I see. By understanding the context and the materiality of the work, we can understand the critical lens through which Daumier approaches the subject. Thanks!