Femme de lettre humanitaire se livrant sur l'homme ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier produced this lithograph, "Femme de lettre humanitaire se livrant sur l'homme," in nineteenth-century France, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. It depicts a well-dressed couple encountering a woman offering them milk. Daumier's work often critiques the bourgeoisie, and here, we see a stark contrast between the affluent couple and the impoverished woman. The title suggests a critique of performative philanthropy, perhaps highlighting the disconnect between the charitable acts of the upper class and the realities of poverty. The lithograph's publication in a periodical points to the rise of mass media and its role in shaping public opinion. To fully understand Daumier's commentary, we might consult period newspapers and social surveys, providing insight into the socio-economic conditions that shaped his art. This artwork prompts us to consider the power dynamics inherent in acts of charity and the role of art in exposing social inequalities.