“- You see, my friend Durand.... there are only two important components of happiness for a man: water and wine... but they must never be mixed, otherwise they lose their charm. - Quite right, Cabassol.... let's drink another glass of wine in honour of water!,” plate 12 from Les Canotiers Parisiens 1843

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier in 19th century France, and it is a part of his series on Parisian boaters. Daumier uses the visual codes of caricature to humorous effect, exaggerating the men’s features and postures. The print is a snapshot of the leisure activities enjoyed by Parisians during that time. It suggests a society preoccupied with pleasure and perhaps oblivious to deeper social issues. The joke, of course, is that they prefer wine! Daumier's work often appeared in satirical magazines like "Le Charivari," offering commentary on French society and politics. He used his art to critique the bourgeoisie and expose social injustices, working within and against the institutional structures of the press. To fully appreciate Daumier’s social commentary, we can consult archives of periodicals such as “Le Charivari” and study the history of print culture and leisure in 19th-century France. By researching the social context of his art, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.