Allons donc, chers confrères... 1845

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, *Allons donc, chers confrères...*, using a greasy crayon on a block of fine-grained limestone. The process is key. Daumier drew directly on the stone; the matrix then treated with acid to etch the design. Ink was applied, adhering only to the drawn lines, and then printed. This was an efficient method for mass production, perfectly suited to Daumier’s social critique. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making his pointed commentary accessible to a broad audience. Look closely, and you’ll see how the lithographic process lends itself to Daumier’s style. The grainy texture and the stark contrast of black ink on white paper create a sense of immediacy. The medium captures the quick, gestural lines that define the lawyers’ caricatured features and robes. The very act of printing emphasizes the dissemination of ideas and opinions – crucial for an artist deeply engaged with the politics of his time. Daumier’s choice of lithography wasn’t just about convenience; it was about reaching people, sparking dialogue, and challenging the status quo.