Ne l'effraye pas Eudoxie... c. 19th century

This lithograph, "Ne l'effraye pas Eudoxie...", was made by Honoré Daumier, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique using a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws an image with a greasy substance, then applies ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. Here, Daumier uses the graphic qualities of lithography to great effect. Notice how the dense, layered strokes create a sense of depth and shadow, particularly in the figures' clothing and facial features. The softness of the lithographic crayon also gives a softness to the scene, contrasting with the implied critique of the 'good bourgeois' in the title. Daumier was known for his social commentary, often targeting the bourgeoisie. Lithography, as a relatively accessible medium, allowed his work to reach a wide audience through newspapers and periodicals. This speaks to the democratization of art and its potential to engage with social issues, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world. It reminds us that the meaning of a work is not just in its subject matter, but also in its means of production and dissemination.