Danger 1897

"Danger" by Eugène Grasset is a print, made using a technique called lithography, which allows for the creation of multiple, near-identical images. Lithography involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking method emerged alongside the rise of mass media, and offered a new means of producing images at scale. The stylistic approach here is called Art Nouveau, it emphasized flowing lines and organic forms, often drawing inspiration from the natural world. Consider the amount of labor involved in creating just one of these prints, let alone the many copies that would have been made. Each impression represents a negotiation between artistic vision, skilled craftsmanship, and industrial production. This print challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and commercial design. It prompts us to consider the social and economic forces that shape artistic production, and to recognize the value of both concept and execution.