“Brigand of a may-bug... it's you who devours all my property. You shall perish through my hand!,” plate 32 from Pastorales 1845

This lithograph is from Honoré Daumier's series, Pastorales. Daumier, working in 19th-century France, used his art to critique the bourgeoisie. This piece offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between humans and the environment during a period of increasing industrialization and urbanization. In this print, a landowner confronts a may-bug, a symbol of the natural world, accusing it of devouring his property. Daumier often depicted the middle class as being consumed by their possessions and anxieties. The may-bug, in this context, becomes a symbol of nature's indifference to human concerns, or perhaps nature’s revenge. The tension in the image speaks to broader questions about land ownership and the exploitation of natural resources. The artist’s exaggerated style adds an emotional layer to the scene, highlighting the absurdity of the landowner's rage. This piece reminds us of the ongoing struggle to find balance between human ambition and ecological responsibility.