La Rencontre sous bois 1844

Honoré Daumier created 'La Rencontre sous bois' using lithography, a printmaking technique where the artist draws on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy medium. The material's influence is evident in the rich, tonal qualities of the image. Daumier masterfully manipulates the greasy crayon to create a range of light and shadow, defining the figures of two hunters and the dense forest. The lithographic process allowed Daumier to create multiple impressions of his drawing quickly, and he became known for his illustrations in satirical magazines and newspapers. This speaks to the democratizing potential of printmaking, allowing for the widespread dissemination of images and ideas, in this case humorous and poignant social commentary. Through material and making, Daumier blurred the lines between art and craft, bringing artistic expression to a wider audience, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world.