Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil c. 19th century

Curator: Honore Daumier’s lithograph, "Ayant attrapé un coup de soleil," or “Having Caught a Sunstroke,” likely dates to the mid-19th century. It’s a monochrome print featuring two military figures in exaggerated poses. Editor: It certainly grabs your attention! The dynamism in their movement, despite being static, is impressive. The cross-hatching adds depth, but the men are still rather grotesque. There is something very dark about it. Curator: Grotesque is an apt term. Daumier employed caricature frequently in his prints to lampoon the bourgeoisie and political figures of his time. The exaggerated features are a crucial component of his social critique. Editor: Indeed. The artwork immediately brings to mind the socio-political milieu of 19th-century France. Were these specific generals, or rather types? Their theatrical stance feels… performative of power rather than actually powerful. Curator: Good eye. I would contend the rigid military garb and posturing satirize the vanity of militarism itself. The men are puffed-up figures; it feels very stagey. Editor: So, in this period, this type of work might appear in news periodicals and satirize social structures? And that may influence this style with exaggerated movement and exaggerated, let's call it, “gestures”. Curator: Precisely. The accessibility of printmaking allowed Daumier to disseminate these commentaries widely and cheaply. Editor: That context casts new light on the work. It shifts from a crude image to a cunning, democratic tool to inform the public, revealing underlying ironies in authority. It is more poignant that way, isn't it? Curator: The technical virtuosity with which Daumier manages to communicate such pointed social commentary via a cheap, reproducible format really exemplifies the revolutionary potential of print media. Editor: It truly showcases the potent combination of art, technology, and social observation. Curator: Yes, it urges us to look beyond the surface—beyond the bold lines and shading to perceive its profound and satirical commentary on power and society. Editor: And for all the apparent chaos of the line work, a clear and unflinching vision of Daumier’s view emerges.