Bouquet envoyé ... A l'empereur de Russie ... c. 19th century

This lithograph, Bouquet envoyé ... A l'empereur de Russie ..., was made by Honoré Daumier. It’s a powerful example of how printmaking can be used for political commentary. Daumier was a master of lithography, a process that involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then using ink to transfer the image to paper. The medium allowed for relatively quick reproduction and distribution, perfectly suited for the era’s burgeoning print culture and mass media. In this image, the artist critiques Russian imperialism, showing the spoils of war being delivered as a grotesque "bouquet". The figures straining under the weight of the macabre gift highlight the human cost of political ambition. Daumier’s skilled use of line and shading conveys both the physical burden and the moral weight of the situation. By choosing lithography, Daumier was able to engage directly with the political issues of his day. This piece reminds us that art and craft can be powerful tools for social critique, blurring the lines between aesthetics and activism.