The Phantom c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier’s "The Phantom," a striking lithograph. The figure is draped in what looks like a shroud, outside a building. What strikes me is how the stark contrast emphasizes the material presence of the figure against the architectural backdrop. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Note how Daumier, a master of lithography, used the greasy crayon to build up tones, giving the print a sculptural quality. Think about the labor involved in creating this image, and how it was reproduced and circulated. Is it high art, or is it a commodity? And what is the significance of this “phantom” engaging with the "Palais"? Editor: So it challenges our ideas about what art is by looking at production and distribution. That gives me a new way to look at it. Curator: Exactly. By examining the materials and the means of production, we can see how Daumier blurs the lines between art, craft, and political commentary.