Lange vrouw wandelt met een kortere jongeman 1841

Paul Gavarni created this lithograph, "Lange vrouw wandelt met een kortere jongeman," using a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 19th century. Unlike traditional engravings, lithography allowed for a more direct and fluid transfer of the artist's hand onto the printing stone. Gavarni drew directly onto the stone with a greasy crayon, and the subsequent printing process exploited the immiscibility of oil and water. This print is not just an image, but a record of Gavarni's drawing process. The varying pressure and texture of his crayon strokes create a range of tones and details. Lithography's efficiency facilitated the rise of illustrated newspapers and magazines, catering to a growing middle class. Gavarni's social commentary, captured through this relatively accessible medium, reached a broad audience, reflecting and shaping the values of a rapidly changing society. In the end, considering the means of production helps us understand the artwork's cultural impact.