Lolo!...veux-tu laisser la chaisse tranquille... c. 19th century

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier in 19th-century France. Lithography, a printmaking process using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface, allowed for relatively quick production and widespread dissemination of images. The social context of Daumier's work is crucial. He created images for mass consumption, often satirizing the bourgeoisie. The visual impact of the lithograph is immediate; the artist used lithographic crayon and ink washes to achieve strong contrasts and capture the nuances of light and shadow, enhancing the overall effect. Note the frenetic hatching and cross-hatching. The composition is dynamic, reflecting the chaotic energy of the scene. The relatively cheap process is also a significant aspect of the artwork, reflecting issues of labor, politics, and consumption in the burgeoning industrial revolution. Daumier’s subject is no longer the aristocracy, but instead, contemporary middle-class life, which is a radical change. By understanding the material conditions of its production, we can fully appreciate Daumier's incisive social commentary.