Scene I - Smitten. Man Looking at Woman 1877

This 1877 lithograph by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, titled "Scene I - Smitten," cleverly captures a moment of courtship. It does so through the contrasting textures of clothing and the built environment, all rendered with striking detail in monochrome. Lithography, a printmaking process using a flat stone or metal plate, was ideal for mass production. This allowed Coolidge to circulate his commentary on social mores widely. The artist's skilled use of shading creates depth and brings out the textures of the woman’s patterned dress and the man’s pinstripe suit. Look closely at the rough cobblestone street and the soft fabric gathered in the woman’s hand. The image offers a glimpse into the clothing and textiles available during that time. Coolidge’s choice of lithography speaks to its accessibility. The print democratized art, making it available beyond the elite. By focusing on ordinary life, Coolidge elevated the everyday, blurring the line between commercial art and social commentary.