My fields plundered...my horse taken...my money stolen...this is what we call patriotism!... 1870

Curator: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier bears the poignant title, "My fields plundered...my horse taken...my money stolen...this is what we call patriotism!..." Editor: The stark contrast immediately grabs you. There's a rawness to the lines that conveys a deep sense of injustice and suffering. Curator: Daumier was a master of social critique. He's challenging the romanticized notions of war and patriotism by showing its devastating impact on ordinary people. The figure is robbed of everything. Editor: The use of lithography allowed Daumier to create and distribute these images widely. Consider the political implications of cheap reproducible images in his day. Curator: Absolutely. This print speaks to a historical moment, but it still resonates with contemporary dialogues around nationalism, sacrifice, and the true cost of conflict. Editor: Indeed. It's a reminder that even seemingly lofty ideals are grounded in material realities and impact human lives in tangible ways.