Customs c. 19th century

Curator: Daumier's lithograph, "Customs," presents us with a satirical scene of a Western traveler being inspected at a Chinese port. Look at how the artist employs line work to depict the scene! Editor: The mood is immediately farcical, wouldn't you say? The exaggerated expressions and postures of the figures, especially the weary traveler, point to a critique of cultural encounters and power dynamics. Curator: Exactly. The lithographic process allowed Daumier to create affordable prints for mass consumption. The image speaks to the material conditions of printmaking, revealing a commentary on accessibility and dissemination of social critique. Editor: The scene speaks volumes about colonial attitudes and anxieties. The Westerner's discomfort and objectification by Chinese officials are palpable. Daumier is highlighting the unequal power structures inherent in these interactions, critiquing the West's own imperial gaze. Curator: Note, too, the details of dress and object. The traveler's clothing, contrasted with the officials' garments, signals the visual markers of cultural difference and trade. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how visual culture participated in shaping and reinforcing prejudices. Food for thought! Curator: Indeed, a brilliant example of the intersection of printmaking and social commentary!