Mr. Choiseul, (called le Duc), plate 502 1835

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, Mr. Choiseul, sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The artist draws an image on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treats the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. In Daumier's hands, lithography wasn't just a commercial technique, it was a potent tool for social commentary. Notice how the soft, almost velvety texture of the lithographic ink allows for subtle gradations of tone, exaggerating the figure's features. Daumier originally trained as a lawyer's clerk, and later worked in a bookstore before pursuing his artistic passions. This experience perhaps made him keenly aware of the social dynamics at play in French society at the time, especially the widening gap between the wealthy and the working class. His prints, often published in satirical magazines, spoke directly to this tension, offering a critical perspective on the ruling elite. By embracing a readily available printmaking method, Daumier democratized art, transforming it into a powerful form of political expression.