Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent 1849

This lithograph, "Ils prétendent qu'ils la soutiennent" or "They claim that they support her," was created by Honoré Daumier in 19th-century France. Daumier’s skill with lithography allowed him to economically produce politically charged images for mass consumption. Lithography is a printmaking process that involves drawing with grease on a flat stone or metal plate, which is then treated with chemicals to create an image that can be repeatedly printed. The nature of lithography allowed Daumier to capture a wide range of tonal values, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The immediacy of drawing directly onto the lithographic stone allows for the creation of spontaneous and expressive images. In this work, Daumier uses this medium to critique the political climate of his time. The image depicts a group of men feigning support for a statue representing the French Republic, revealing the hypocrisy and self-interest underlying their actions. The use of lithography allowed Daumier to reach a broad audience with his message, making it an important tool for social commentary and political activism during the 19th century. This piece challenges the traditional boundaries between fine art and social critique.