Drie studies van militairen en oude mannen c. 1856 - 1859

This print of military men and elderly figures was made by Paul Gavarni in the 19th century, using a printmaking process called etching. Take a look at the close, repetitive lines that build up to create tone and volume. To make this image, Gavarni would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. He then scratched through this ground with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This process was repeated to deepen the lines and create darker areas. As a print, this work is inherently reproducible and democratic. Gavarni was very interested in contemporary life. He worked for a variety of journals and was renowned for his satirical depictions of Parisian society, especially class differences and poverty. Notice the artist's focus on character studies from different walks of life, made accessible to a wide audience through printmaking. It’s a powerful reminder that art can be a tool for social commentary, blurring the lines between fine art and social observation.