More marvels from the diamond hypnotist. Or, how to make the ladies pose in society in exhausting and not very gracious positions, plate 137 from Actualités 1860

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, "More marvels from the diamond hypnotist," sometime in the 19th century. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the repulsion between grease and water. The artist draws an image on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treats the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. In this case, the rapid, sketchy lines suggest Daumier worked quickly, capturing a sense of immediacy. This was essential, as lithographs like this were often produced for mass consumption in newspapers and journals. The image critiques the bourgeoisie, depicting a supposed hypnotist putting a woman in an absurd pose for the amusement of onlookers. Daumier skillfully used the lithographic process to convey the social commentary, highlighting the absurdity and artificiality of social conventions. The relatively quick, reproducible technique of lithography allowed Daumier to reach a broad audience, making his pointed observations about class and society all the more impactful. It's a powerful reminder that even a seemingly simple print can carry significant social weight.