Appuyez fort, ça fait rentrer la bosse... 1838

Curator: Daumier's lithograph, "Appuyez fort, ça fait rentrer la bosse..." from 1838, presents an intriguing tableau. The print’s composition is dynamic; what strikes you initially about its formal qualities? Editor: It's pretty wild. The kid in the center seems like he's getting squished. There's a real sense of movement, maybe a bit chaotic, in the way the lines are drawn. It feels exaggerated, theatrical. How does that energy play into the bigger picture? Curator: Precisely. Observe the deliberate distortion of form and the almost violent use of line. Daumier masterfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to build volume and shadow. Consider the exaggerated features of the figures; the work seems to reject classical notions of idealised form. Are we looking at representational accuracy, or something else? Editor: Definitely not accuracy! It feels like he’s pushing the boundaries, like he’s making a statement through how he's depicting these people. But what kind of statement? Curator: The forms and the energy within them evoke the tradition of caricature, exaggerating the scene. Reflect on how Daumier employs a limited tonal range, primarily relying on stark contrasts. The light areas accentuate certain features, pulling our gaze, wouldn't you say? Editor: Yes, like how the light catches on the faces and hands, almost like a spotlight. I think that use of contrast does highlight those exaggerated features and actions you mentioned, heightening the sense of drama and humour. Thanks for guiding me, this work really exemplifies a form that challenges while observing. Curator: Indeed, exploring the work through formal analysis opens up possibilities for a deeper understanding. Focusing on its form reveals its character as caricature, and uncovers its commentary.