Karikatuur van een man met een krant 1843

This lithograph, by Edouard de Beaumont, uses ink and color to make a bold satirical statement. The printmaking process itself is key here. Lithography allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wider audience, and therefore an ideal medium for social commentary. The texture of the print is smooth, a stark contrast to the rough subject matter depicted. The figures are rendered with exaggerated features, underscoring the artist's critical perspective on colonialism, labor, and class. The attention to detail in the uniforms, juxtaposed with the caricatured depiction of the Black figure, highlights the social and economic disparities of the time. Ultimately, Beaumont uses the inherent qualities of lithography to disseminate a message that challenges prevailing social norms. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we can appreciate its profound impact, blurring the lines between fine art and social critique.