Les anglais chez eux: Le gin 1853

This lithograph, "Les anglais chez eux: Le gin," was made by Paul Gavarni, sometime in the mid-19th century. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the contrast between greasy and water-receptive areas on a stone or metal plate. The artist draws on the surface with a greasy crayon or ink, then treats the plate so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Gavarni was known for his incisive observations of Parisian life, and in this print he turns his gaze to the English, portraying a couple seemingly overcome by the effects of gin. The grainy texture and subtle tonal variations achieved through lithography add a sense of grit and realism to the scene. The print captures a specific moment, but also reflects broader social issues of the time, such as poverty and the impact of industrialization on urban life. The efficiency of lithography allowed for mass production and dissemination of images like these, contributing to a growing visual culture in the 19th century.