Man en vrouw maken ruzie 1827 - 1829

This print, "Man en vrouw maken ruzie" (Man and Woman Arguing), was made by Charles Philipon, a 19th-century French artist, using lithography, a technique that democratized image-making. Lithography, or printing from stone, involves drawing on a smooth surface with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This printmaking method was embraced for its ability to reproduce images quickly and in large quantities. Look closely and you’ll see the subtle tonalities and textures achieved through lithography. The immediacy of the medium allowed for a directness of expression, capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. The print's accessibility also speaks to the rise of mass media and the circulation of images in 19th-century society. The relatively low cost of production meant that satirical and humorous prints like this one could reach a wide audience, commenting on social mores and political events. Lithography blurred the lines between art and commerce, craft and industry, reflecting a changing world.