Kelner moppert op twee deftige heren 1838

This print, "Kelner moppert op twee deftige heren" – or, “Waiter Complaining to Two Dignified Gentlemen” – was made by Paul Gavarni. Printed images like this were a vital part of the 19th century, a way of disseminating commentary on contemporary life. Gavarni was a master of lithography, a printmaking technique that allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive production. The process involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applying ink which adheres only to the drawn areas. The printmaker then transfers the image to paper. Look closely, and you can see the subtle tonal gradations achieved through this method. Gavarni exploits this to full effect, capturing the nuances of social tension between the waiter, caught in his apron, and the two well-dressed gentlemen. Lithography allowed artists to reach a broad audience, making it a powerful tool for social critique. It was the ideal medium for commenting on the emerging class divisions of modern Paris.