Man en vrouw aan tafel in een restaurant 1839

This print, "Man en vrouw aan tafel in een restaurant", was made by Paul Gavarni, using a technique called lithography. Lithography involves drawing with a greasy crayon onto a flat stone or metal plate, which is then treated to accept ink only in the areas where the crayon was used. The resulting print can have a wide range of tones and textures depending on the artist’s touch. Here, Gavarni uses the lithographic process to great effect, capturing the textures of fabric, the weight of the figures, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow in the room. But lithography is not just a means of illustration – it was also, in its time, a very modern technology, allowing images to be reproduced and disseminated on a mass scale, contributing to the rise of consumer culture and the circulation of social commentary. Gavarni expertly used these prints as a vehicle for social commentary, offering wry observations on Parisian life. By focusing on the material and making of this artwork, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.