In the Tribunes. -God! how the delegate from our house interrupts so well. 1869

Curator: Daumier's lithograph, "In the Tribunes," captures a moment, almost a secret shared glee, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. It's a snapshot of power, or rather, how power is perceived and relished by those on the sidelines. Curator: The faces are so expressive, grotesque almost, but wonderfully alive. The artist really hones in on that performative aspect of politics, the theater of it all. Editor: It speaks volumes about the social hierarchies present during Daumier's time, highlighting the spectator as a crucial element in upholding oppressive power structures. Curator: There is such a sardonic wit at play. It's as if he's whispering, "Look at these fools, so puffed up with their own self-importance." Editor: Yes, and that speaks to the enduring nature of political satire, its ability to expose and critique the absurdities of power across generations. Curator: I see Daumier laughing along, a mischievous glint in his eye as he skewers the establishment. Editor: Indeed. This work encourages us to think critically about the roles we all play, whether willingly or not, in perpetuating the status quo.