Le constructeur du Léviathan se décidant ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph depicting "The constructor of the Leviathan decides..." The lithographic medium lends itself to a stark contrast between light and shadow, highlighting the cartoonish, almost grotesque features of the figures. This dramatic chiaroscuro emphasizes the supplication of one man towards another, set against an ethereal backdrop. The composition divides the scene between the kneeling figure on the left and the towering, almost godlike figure of Archimedes on the right, reinforcing their unequal power dynamic. The lines are rough and expressive, contributing to a sense of satirical commentary. Daumier uses this to destabilize traditional heroic narratives. The image challenges fixed notions of power and invention by framing the pursuit of technological progress, represented by the allusion to the Leviathan ship, through the lens of classical mythology. The contrast between the solid, almost caricatured figures and the airy, undefined background suggests a world in flux. The print serves as an ongoing dialogue about progress, authority, and the negotiation of values within society.