“- Brrrr! I am furious that I came here to hunt in the St. Denis-Plain. It's just too cold!… - One of those days when you would love to catch a bear. His fur would be more than welcome right now!,” plate 3 from Croquis De Chasse 1858

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier, featuring lithographic crayon and tusche on paper. Daumier used a grease-based medium to transfer his drawing onto a stone, which was then chemically processed to accept ink only where the drawing existed. Lithography allowed for a much more immediate and direct transfer of the artist's hand compared to traditional printmaking. This particular lithograph, with its rough and sketchy lines, captures the frigid discomfort of two hunters. The efficiency of lithography also democratized printmaking, making it possible to produce images quickly and in large quantities. Daumier used this technique to address wider social issues, commenting on class, labor and politics. In this image, we see the working class trying to procure fur to survive the winter. Daumier’s social commentary reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics, but also about reflecting and influencing the world around us.