DUP..., plate 171 from Célébrités de la Caricature 1832

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier, and is part of his series *Célébrités de la Caricature*. Lithography is a printmaking process using a flat stone or metal plate on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance so that the ink will adhere to them, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent. Daumier was a master of this process, and it’s easy to see why lithography was so popular for disseminating satirical images in 19th-century France. The medium lends itself to strong, clear lines and bold tonal contrasts, which Daumier exploits to great effect. Note the figure’s heavy jowls and smug expression, captured with a few deft strokes of the crayon. But it’s not just about the final image. Lithography was a relatively quick and inexpensive process, making it ideal for mass production. Daumier’s caricatures were published in newspapers and journals, reaching a wide audience and providing commentary on the politics of the day. This print isn't just a work of art; it's a product of its time, reflecting the rise of mass media and the power of images to shape public opinion.