Portret van de vader van de kunstenaar op negentigjarige leeftijd c. 1834

This print by Paul Gavarni portrays the artist’s father at the age of ninety, rendered in lithography. The lithographic process involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. In this case, the use of lithography allows for a high degree of detail, evident in the fine lines that define the man’s face and clothing. Look closely, and you’ll see how the texture of the paper itself becomes part of the image. Gavarni’s labor-intensive technique captures the weight of the father's years, with meticulous shading conveying a sense of his physical presence. The print’s cultural significance lies in its intimate portrayal of aging and familial connection. Gavarni elevates a personal subject, his own father, through a medium often used for mass production. This work reminds us that even in the realm of fine art, materials and processes are crucial in shaping our understanding and appreciation.