Il est défendu de fumer, mais vous pouvez vous asseoir 1834

Auguste Raffet made this print, "Il est défendu de fumer, mais vous pouvez vous asseoir," using a lithographic process. This technique involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. The resulting print captures a scene of soldiers wading through water, their postures and expressions revealing a mix of fatigue and tension. The lithographic process, with its capacity for detailed shading and tonal variation, enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere in the image. Lithography was revolutionary, in that an artist could draw more or less directly onto the printing stone, rather than having to use chisels or acids to incise a design. Raffet's choice of lithography democratized image production at this time, making it possible to create multiple copies quickly and cheaply. This print not only reflects Raffet's skill as an artist but also speaks to the changing dynamics of labor, politics, and consumption in 19th-century France. The ease with which lithographs could be produced allowed for a wider distribution of imagery, influencing public opinion and shaping cultural narratives.