Mr. Joliv . . . c. 19th century

Curator: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, Mr. Joliv . . ., a caricature of a French politician. What strikes you about it? Editor: The exaggerated features and posture give it a distinctly satirical mood. You can almost feel the slickness of the ink used to create those deep shadows. Curator: Daumier used lithography to produce caricatures for the popular press, making political commentary accessible to a wide audience. Editor: The subject is leaning against what appears to be a barrier labeled "Banque Ministres," suggesting commentary on banking interests and government corruption. Notice the lines, seemingly etched in haste. Curator: Absolutely. Daumier's work challenged the bourgeoisie. He was even imprisoned for his pointed critiques of the French monarchy. Editor: Considering the context of mass production, the material choices, particularly lithography, were crucial in disseminating political ideas. Curator: Indeed, and it reminds us of the power of art to shape public opinion. Editor: It highlights how closely entwined material production is with social and political discourse.