A tous les coeurs bien nés que la patrie est chère!!! 1838

This lithograph, by Honoré Daumier, uses the common printing material of lithographic limestone. It is a relatively accessible medium, yet capable of subtle tonal variations. Daumier used lithography to create caricatures of French society. This particular print shows two men fleeing France with bags on their backs. The bags likely contain their wealth. Daumier's mastery of the lithographic crayon gives the figures a dynamic, almost sculptural quality. Notice the satirical tone of the print, contrasting with the patriotic title. The artist engages with skilled printmaking traditions, yet the context of mass production influences his methods of creating critical art. By using lithography, Daumier ensured his work could reach a wide audience through printed newspapers. The relative ease and reproducibility of lithography allowed artists like Daumier to address pressing social and political issues, while democratizing fine art. This print exemplifies how material choice, process, and social context intersect to give art its full meaning.