Voyons ... ouvrons le bouche! ... c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier’s lithograph from around the 19th century, titled "Voyons... ouvrons la bouche!...". It feels incredibly tense, almost like a scene from a horror film. I’m curious, how do you interpret this work? Curator: This lithograph provides insight into the means of artistic production and distribution within 19th-century French society. Daumier's caricatures, widely circulated via print, critique social hierarchies, in this instance perhaps the medical profession. Think of the printing process, the labor involved, and its accessibility compared to painting; how does the reproducibility affect the perceived value and impact? Editor: So, the lithographic medium itself is integral to its message? Curator: Precisely. Lithography allowed for mass production and dissemination, influencing public opinion. Furthermore, consider the materiality of the print, its inherent qualities influenced by the limestone, ink, and paper available, then its existence within the network of printmakers, publishers, and distributors. How did these individuals or means of production shape the image and reach of Daumier’s critique? Editor: It's fascinating to think about the social and material network embedded within this single print. Does the specific printing house also factor into its significance? Curator: Absolutely! The publishers controlled distribution and influenced what types of social critiques were accessible to the masses. In fact, their economic limitations or goals further constrained Daumier’s own material options and social expression. Editor: I hadn’t considered how deeply intertwined the material aspects are with the social commentary. Thanks for helping me think about art in such a different light. Curator: It’s crucial to examine those relations. Recognizing these structures encourages one to think beyond the individual artwork and explore larger systems of production, consumption, and meaning.