Mr. Choisseul c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Mr. Choisseul" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a rather striking lithograph. The exaggerated features create such a distinctive figure. What visual elements stand out to you? Curator: Observe how Daumier manipulates line and shadow to convey form. The hatching technique, particularly around the figure's face and clothing, defines volume. Note the contrast between the detailed rendering of the subject and the relative emptiness of the background. How does this contrast affect your reading of the work? Editor: It definitely emphasizes the figure, but almost in isolation. I hadn't focused on Daumier’s technique so closely before. Curator: Precisely. The strength of this work lies in its formal arrangement, its meticulous construction through line and tone. I’m glad we took a closer look.