Caricature (Jean Baptiste Chollet?) 1800 - 1900

Editor: So, this caricature drawing of who they think is Jean Baptiste Chollet dates to sometime in the 19th century and is made with, well, dry media. I find the exaggerated features comical, but also a bit unsettling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I’m drawn to the materials. The use of dry media, likely charcoal and chalk, speaks to a particular mode of artistic production – one rooted in readily available, relatively inexpensive materials. Caricature itself, as a popular form, democratizes portraiture, making it accessible beyond the elite. How do you think this accessibility shapes its message? Editor: That's interesting, I never thought about caricature being "democratic," but it does seem more focused on humor for the masses. So, by using those accessible materials it seems like the artist, or "producer", is sort of relating to everyday consumers rather than showing off skills that only an art snob would see? Curator: Exactly. The medium here, combined with the caricatured style, avoids the pretension of high art portraiture. Consider the labor involved. These drawings were likely produced quickly, perhaps even for mass consumption. It is fascinating how such seemingly disposable items preserve and communicate their subjects’ reception. The feather in the cap; a bit much, don't you think? Editor: Yeah, it feels very performative. I can see how someone might want to take this drawing and create all sorts of commentary about consumerism, access, production, and status. I have definitely learned something new! Curator: And so have I! Paying attention to the base elements truly enables you to reconsider traditional concepts of class in art.