Man stelt vragen aan gemaskerde vrouw 1840

Paul Gavarni created this lithograph, depicting a man questioning a masked woman, sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. An image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then inked, and transferred to paper. The appeal of lithography was its relative ease and speed, which democratized image production. Gavarni, as a caricaturist, was deeply engaged in depicting Parisian life. His choice of lithography was deliberate, aligning with the burgeoning print culture that made art more accessible to a wider audience. Looking closely, the stark contrast and fine lines are characteristic of lithographic prints. The artist's hand is evident in the shading and details of the figures' clothing, even if the process allowed for relatively quick production. Gavarni's focus was on capturing social types and their interactions. The print is a fascinating artifact, reflecting both the artist’s skill and the industrialized methods of its making.