Plus que ca d'ballon ... Excusez! ... c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Plus que ca d'ballon ... Excusez!", from the 19th century. The stark contrasts and bustling cityscape create a somewhat chaotic impression. The sheer size of the woman's dress compared to the figures surrounding her is striking. What stands out to you in terms of social context or materiality? Curator: The materiality of this lithograph speaks volumes. Daumier chose this medium, this *process*, precisely because it allowed for mass production and dissemination to a wide audience. Think about the social implications: this isn't a precious, one-of-a-kind painting destined for a wealthy patron’s private collection. It’s a commentary meant for the masses, addressing everyday life and societal issues. Editor: So the medium itself democratizes the message? Curator: Precisely. Consider the subject: not a noble figure or a historical event, but a scene from Parisian street life. Daumier is interested in documenting—and critiquing—the rapidly changing urban landscape and the emerging class structures. What do you make of the caption? Editor: “More than a balloon… Excuse me!” It seems to comment on the excesses and perhaps absurdity of bourgeois fashion, implying that the woman's dress takes up excessive space, becoming almost comical. Curator: Yes! And this consumption of space reflects a larger societal dynamic. The expanding bourgeoisie, with their ostentatious displays of wealth, literally occupy more and more of the city. Lithography, as a readily available medium, becomes a powerful tool for social commentary, for capturing these changing material realities. It bypasses the traditional patronage system. Editor: That makes the choice of lithography even more potent than I initially thought. The print is both the art *and* the message. Curator: Exactly. Thinking about art from a materialist perspective encourages us to examine not just what the artist depicts, but *how* and *why* they chose to depict it in a particular way. Editor: I never really considered the inherent political statement within printmaking. This piece gave me a new lens through which to consider material's importance. Curator: Exploring process is essential for unlocking a deeper understanding of art.