Karikatuur van twee mannen met de sleutel van kolonel Picquart 1898

This caricature of two men, holding the key of Colonel Picquart, was made by Jean-Louis Forain. It is made using a printmaking technique. The linear quality of the caricature suggests it may have been produced using lithography or etching. The image is defined by a stark contrast between light and shadow. This simple material palette belies the complex social critique at play, reflecting the wider cultural context of the time. The artist's deliberate choice of printmaking—a medium often associated with mass production—connects the artwork to issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The medium allowed for efficient reproduction and dissemination of the artist's message to a broad audience. By understanding Forain's use of printmaking, we gain a deeper appreciation of the artwork's meaning. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, prompting us to consider the significance of materials, making, and context in our interpretation.