How Much She Hates Me!, from "L'Artiste" 1835

This print, "How Much She Hates Me!" by Louis Boulanger, was created using lithography, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then applying ink which adheres only to the drawn areas. The resulting print is characterized by fine lines and subtle tonal variations, visible throughout this dramatic scene. Consider the labor involved: from quarrying the limestone, to the skilled hand of the artist rendering the composition, to the printing process itself. Lithography allowed for relatively quick reproduction, making art more accessible to a wider audience. This print appears in "L'Artiste", a periodical indicative of the burgeoning art market and print culture of the time. By understanding the materials and means of production, we can appreciate how art and commerce became increasingly intertwined, challenging traditional notions of artistic creation.