Etrennes de 1856 ... c. 19th century

Curator: Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Etrennes de 1856…," dating from the 19th century, captures a specific social interaction, but on the whole, the image reads as sarcastic, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Indeed. The exaggerated features of the figures create an almost grotesque tableau, even with the delicate lines of the lithographic process. I see imbalance in the composition with the looming man in contrast with the petite woman. Curator: Consider the context. Daumier used printmaking as a potent means to disseminate social critiques. His ability to make a reproducible image at this moment meant this satire could reach a broader 19th-century audience, implicating them in the very behavior he critiques. Editor: You are suggesting, then, that Daumier leverages the medium itself to become a form of critique? The high contrast and detail—a product of its lithographic creation—serve to amplify the moral of the depicted encounter. The exaggerated curvature and the shadows underscore its satirical quality, drawing viewers into interpreting its symbolic weight. Curator: Exactly! And observe the materiality of the image; it’s a print, meant for mass consumption. The labor involved in creating this work wasn't about producing a unique, precious object but about generating a multiplicity of commentaries on social relations. The artist, through print, creates a readily available commentary on a social moment. Editor: Looking again, I can’t help but notice the composition further echoes your thoughts, especially with that dog seemingly trailing from its owner with no sense of connection between them. I am reminded of those visual juxtapositions that are a hallmark of the medium—allowing the artist to pack many things within one panel of imagery, inviting layered readings. Curator: These visual metaphors within the context of his broader practice of social commentary speaks volumes. This isn't simply about the individual scene, but the broader power dynamics and social norms that prevailed at the time. Editor: Thank you. Understanding Daumier's means of production provides a lens through which we better grasp the complex satire, which is meant to challenge its original audience's perceptions about power dynamics in gift giving.