"Old, broken, haggard, whimsical, yet good, yet dedicated, and domestic by temperament" from Scenes from the Private and Public Life of Animals 1832 - 1852

This lithograph, “Old, broken, haggard… domestic by temperament,” was created by J. J. Grandville, likely in the 1840s. The lithographic process involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a stone, which is then treated with acid. Ink adheres to the drawn areas, allowing for a print to be made. It was a relatively new technology at the time, enabling the mass production of images. Grandville was a master of this technique, using it to create satirical images of French society. The crisp lines and tonal variations are a testament to his skill. The bird-man is clearly a character study, made reproducible by this relatively efficient technology. In Grandville’s time, lithography democratized image-making, and this print reflects a society grappling with industrialization and its discontents. It also shows that the making and wide distribution of art can be just as important as the image itself.