The disadvantage of shooting at young partridges with the new explosive bullets of Devisme, plate 17 from Émotions De Chasse 1858

Curator: This lithograph, crafted by Honoré Daumier in 1858, is titled "The disadvantage of shooting at young partridges with the new explosive bullets of Devisme," part of his series "Emotions De Chasse." The print, a line drawing on paper, currently resides here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: It's a rather chaotic scene, isn’t it? A flurry of feathers and disarray. The expressions are quite striking; the man looks utterly dumbfounded while the woman seems horrified. The lines are so frantic; it evokes a real sense of pandemonium. Curator: Exactly, the "Emotions De Chasse" series, as the title suggests, captures the spectrum of feelings associated with hunting. Here, we see a critique of technological advancement—the 'new explosive bullets'—and its impact on a traditional activity. Daumier was keen on commenting on the bourgeoisie and how new inventions disrupt and cause absurd situations within that class. Editor: So, Daumier's use of lithography here isn't merely about reproduction, it's about accessibility and disseminating his social critiques widely, making it a powerful commentary on consumerism. Look at the layers; there is the actual act of hunting, and then there are layers and layers of representation with different stakeholders each adding their layer and spin. The materiality of the print itself becomes integral to its message. Curator: Yes, this print was made for mass consumption via periodicals; think of it as sharing memes via Twitter during Daumier’s time. The humor lies in the ridiculousness of the situation but also reflects concerns about rapid industrialization of everyday life, particularly the disruptions it introduced. Editor: And what about that comedic timing and those horrified faces though? They emphasize an exaggerated, cartoonish form and emotional reaction through very carefully applied artistic interventions! It is meant to invoke humor and horror and makes us question the act of shooting something that is flying, in an enclosed space, from down below. It looks incredibly dangerous, and so this type of hunting sounds and looks incredibly inhumane as well. The formal use of dark shading creates that immediate visual impact—we are all feeling the explosion just from the use of contrast! Curator: Absolutely! What Daumier successfully does is bring these societal issues, like the disruptive effect of new technology in this print, straight into people’s drawing rooms to generate dialogue. I think focusing on the cultural commentary within the series and understanding its accessibility speaks volumes to Daumier's purpose in making it. Editor: True. The form absolutely follows function, highlighting the inherent contradiction of technological progress with traditions; a clash skillfully depicted here through sharp lines and dramatic composition, I must admit!