Ce qu'on est convenue d'appeler un rafraichissement c. 19th century

Curator: Daumier's lithograph, "Ce qu'on est convenu d'appeler un rafraichissement" or, "What We've Agreed to Call a Refreshment," dating from the 19th century, presents two contrasting scenes of imbibing in Paris. It is striking how class plays out in the composition; what are your initial thoughts on that contrast? Editor: Well, the upper scene depicts what looks like a boisterous, perhaps even decadent, social gathering. Whereas the bottom one looks... considerably more austere. Almost a grim, working-class reality. What specifically does the process of lithography tell us about this depiction of class? Curator: Lithography, as a relatively accessible printing method, enabled the wider dissemination of Daumier’s social commentary. Its reproducibility highlights the democratizing potential of art while ironically capturing class divisions rooted in uneven access to resources. How do you interpret the different "refreshments" being consumed in relation to labor? Editor: The top, some elaborate punchbowl, must represent leisure, even extravagance. In contrast, the workers below have very basic drinks and, to me, seem far less happy. The lithographic process itself, involving labor-intensive creation for mass distribution, mirrors the social strata Daumier portrays. Do you think the choice of medium impacts how we understand his message today? Curator: Absolutely. Lithography allowed Daumier's critique to reach a broad audience. Think about the materiality of ink on paper—a relatively inexpensive medium—bringing images of disparate social classes to those same classes, perhaps sparking recognition, debate, or even resentment. Considering the physical labor inherent in printmaking, how does this material lens inform your understanding of the work? Editor: It definitely deepens it. Understanding the print's creation helps me see it not just as an image but as a material object, a product of labor itself commenting on labor and social inequality. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about! Curator: And for me as well. Seeing your perspective on labor really enriched the artwork.