The One-hundred-eighty-seventh Toast: To the Astrakan National Guard! 1849

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "The One-hundred-eighty-seventh Toast: To the Astrakan National Guard!". The frenetic energy of the figures and the implied narrative are captivating. What story do you think Daumier is telling through the materiality of this print? Curator: Well, considering Daumier's work was often reproduced in newspapers, it's less about high art and more about mass production. The lithographic process itself enabled wide distribution, making it a powerful tool for social commentary. What do you observe about the consumption and circulation of this image? Editor: That it could reach a wide audience, potentially shaping public opinion. So, the material production directly informs its social impact? Curator: Precisely. The relatively inexpensive process allowed Daumier to critique power structures and class dynamics in a way inaccessible to traditional, elite art forms. It democratizes art. Editor: So, it's not just about the "what" but also the "how" and "for whom" when understanding Daumier's intention here. Very interesting! Curator: Indeed, understanding the means of production illuminates the artwork's purpose and influence.