July 1, 2004
Daumier and Impressions of the 19th Century, A Glimpse Into Printmaking, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, New Haven CT
Honore Daumier was a political cartoonist before that term had been invented. A scurrilous puncturer of authority figures, he was jailed for his opinions, and inspired generations of artists, cartoonists and ashcan painters. This 1833 lithographs called Ah, so you would mess with the press.
Daumiers part of an exhibition of over 125 prints, from the collection of James Reed, hosted by the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts (84 Lyme St., Old Lyme, 860-434-5232) through Sept. 4.
Most of the artists arent as subversive or saucy as Daumier could get, but the exhibit, Impressions of the 19th Century, A Glimpse Into Printmaking: 1801-1900 , is a tribute to the power of the pen–and to the printing press, which made such urgent and topical artistic provocations possible.
There is an opening reception June 26 from 5-7 p.m. in the academys Chauncey Stillman Gallery.