Un Monsieur au dessous de ses affaires 1841

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, "Un Monsieur au dessous de ses affaires," using a greasy crayon on a stone plate. The lithographic process is fascinating here. Daumier drew directly onto the stone, exploiting the material’s capacity to absorb both grease and water. This allowed him to create an image that could be repeatedly printed. Look closely, and you’ll see how the greasy crayon captured the texture of the falling snow and the somber mood. Daumier was deeply engaged with the social realities of his time. The print depicts a man walking past the "Mont de Piété," a pawn shop. By using lithography, a relatively inexpensive medium, Daumier could circulate these images widely, making social commentary accessible to a broad audience. The choice of this process reflects his commitment to democratizing art, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and everyday life. It really makes you think about who gets to make art, who gets to see it, and what stories it tells.