The Smelling Committee 1868

This print, "The Smelling Committee," made by John Cameron sometime in the 19th century, likely began as a drawing before being transferred to a lithographic stone. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the fact that oil and water don't mix. The artist draws on a flat stone surface with a greasy crayon, then treats the stone with chemicals. When the surface is wet, the water adheres only to the bare stone, while the greasy areas repel water and accept ink. The resulting prints, like this satirical image, were relatively quick and cheap to produce, enabling the wide distribution of political cartoons such as this. Its impact relies on the immediate recognition of public figures. But the material process also has social significance. It democratized image-making, and fostered debate at a time of great division in American society. The very accessibility of lithography speaks volumes about the artwork's intent and its place in the public sphere.