Mr. le Juge de paix a rendu sa décision... 1846

This print was made by Honoré Daumier sometime in the 19th century, using lithography. In this process, the image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, and then printed using oil-based inks. Notice how Daumier coaxes a full range of tones and textures from this humble combination of materials. He captures the characters' expressions and the courtroom setting with a sure, economical touch. Daumier’s practice as a printmaker had a lot to do with new economies of scale in visual culture, and a rising demand for printed imagery for mass consumption. The artist made a living by selling images like these to newspapers and journals. In his time, this was not regarded as “high art,” but rather as a form of commercial illustration. Yet, the very act of creating these prints – rapidly, repeatedly, and for a wide audience – gave Daumier a unique opportunity to comment on the social issues of his day. So, the next time you encounter a humble print, remember that it might just be a powerful statement in disguise.