Daumier, Rue Transnonain 1834

I cannot begin to fathom the frustrations, anticipation, and impatience of the middle class during the various political power struggles that marked late-18th/early 19th century France. Though we can all agree that forms of government corruption and poverty have much to do with it. We only know this because of our history classes where we skim over each European revolution and learn facts about government changes and class issues, but I never thought to look at the power art could have in understanding the personal implications. The lithograph, invented by Sanafelder in 1798, became a popular way of printmaking. Daumier used this new invention to spread his message through his lithographs in various French journals. His prints, such as Rue Transnonian, were used to criticize and protest the French political system.  

I don't particularly like this piece, I think it is a truly horrible event, and at first glance all I see is a intoxicated man who has fallen on the floor. Then you notice the child the man lays on top of and take a closer look to see a family that has been massacred by various French guards. The story goes that an unknown sniper had shot down a French guard, and the surrounding guards attacked in the general direction of the sniper which happened to be building where families were gunned down.

As far as political protest goes, I'd say job well done to Daumier. Looking at the lithograph one can see how blindsided this family had been to their attackers, and they had no chance to fight. Making the lithograph the aftermath of the attack strengthens the brutality of the piece by displaying the working class in such a helpless light to the ruthless French government. Additionally, this piece could be widespread because of the new technologies making it so all working class French could feel the same disgust I feel while looking at this piece.