Guerriers Chinois c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Guerriers Chinois" by Honoré Daumier. It's a black and white print of what looks like Chinese soldiers. I'm struck by the rough lines, giving it a sense of immediacy. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: Well, consider the materials and process. This is a lithograph, meaning it was mass-produced. Daumier often used this medium for social commentary, criticizing the powers that be. How do you think the means of production informs the artwork's message? Editor: That’s interesting. So the cheap production allowed for wider distribution, maybe reaching a larger audience with Daumier's social critique? I hadn't thought about that. Curator: Precisely. Think about who consumed these images and what it says about the relationship between art, labor, and societal power structures at the time. Editor: I see. Thanks, that gives me a lot to consider. Curator: It was my pleasure.