Jongeman probeert jonge vrouw aan te spreken op straat 1843

This lithograph, 'Jongeman probeert jonge vrouw aan te spreken op straat,' was made by Paul Gavarni. Lithography, unlike traditional printmaking, relies on the chemical repulsion between oil and water. Gavarni would have drawn his image on a prepared stone with a greasy crayon, then treated the stone so that ink adhered only to the drawn areas. This process allowed for a greater range of tonal variation, which you can see in the subtle shading of the figures' clothing and the street scene. Considered a popular medium during the 19th century, lithography democratized image-making, making art more accessible to a wider audience. This print reflects the rise of consumer culture, as it was often used for illustrations in magazines and newspapers. Gavarni's work speaks to the changing social dynamics of the time, capturing a fleeting moment of urban life. The production of lithographs, and the subsequent mass distribution of images, were tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.