Pas mèche!!!

About this work

A man strains to lift a giant stone labeled "Monarchic Reparation." His face is scrunched, his back bent, and his legs push hard against the ground. The stone looks too heavy to move. This print mocks the idea of bringing back the monarchy in France after the fall of Napoleon III. Daumier often used humor and exaggeration to criticize politicians and social issues. He made this during a time when France was debating its government, and people were worried about returning to old systems. The artist used thick black lines and strong contrast to focus on the struggle. You can feel the weight just by looking at the man’s pose. Look up lithography to see how artists made prints like this one.