Dis donc, Bichette... a quoi songes-tu donc... 1844

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier, likely in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the contrast between oily and water-based substances. The artist draws an image on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applies ink that adheres only to the greasy areas. This particular print is a commentary on gender roles and marital discord. The coarse, grainy texture of the lithographic ink lends a sense of unease to the scene. Daumier was a master of using this medium to convey social commentary, and the rough, almost crude quality of the print reflects the raw emotions at play. Lithography emerged as a relatively affordable way to reproduce images, making art accessible to a wider audience, and Daumier used this technique to voice social issues and political critique. This print invites us to consider the labor and social context embedded in the artwork, questioning traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture.