Let's go..., my friend, I do not find this painting pretty..." 1859

Curator: Oh, goodness, what a wonderfully sardonic piece! Daumier never ceases to make me smile. Editor: It’s interesting that you say that—to me, this lithograph presents a potent commentary on societal attitudes toward childhood and medical experimentation. Curator: Indeed! Daumier's "Let's go..., my friend, I do not find this painting pretty..." captures a visit to an exhibition, and the viewer’s comment is part of the caption. Editor: Right. It highlights the discomfort and perhaps the exploitation inherent in turning vulnerable subjects into objects of spectacle, particularly within the context of scientific advancement. Curator: Oh, absolutely. But also, doesn't it just speak to the inherent oddness of art itself, this constant dissection and analysis? Editor: Perhaps. But for me, it also serves as a crucial reminder to critically examine the power dynamics embedded within supposedly objective forms of knowledge and representation. Curator: Ah, well, Daumier always gives us something to chew on, doesn't he? Editor: Precisely. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own gaze.