"May I introduce my son Théophile..." 1852

Editor: This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier; the title translates to "May I introduce my son Thèodule...". I'm struck by the satirical, almost grotesque characterizations. What does it tell us about the society of the time? Curator: Daumier, through his lithographic process, mass produced these images for consumption by a growing urban audience. The exaggerated features critique the emerging bourgeoisie and their social ambitions. Consider the materiality of the print itself—a relatively inexpensive medium used to lampoon the values of a rising class. Editor: So, the medium itself is part of the message? Curator: Precisely! The accessibility of printmaking allowed Daumier to reach a broad audience, commenting on the social dynamics of labor and class through accessible means. We are implicated as consumers of this critique. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective – the print as a commentary on its own consumption. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about art beyond its aesthetic value and considering its means of production and distribution truly unlocks its deeper cultural significance.