Bordeaux-Laffite 1836

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Bordeaux-Laffite," during a period of significant social and political change in France. Daumier was a master of social commentary, and his work often satirized the bourgeoisie. Here, he skewers the self-satisfied connoisseur, emphasizing the figure’s corpulence and smug expression. This critique connects to broader social issues like class and economic inequality. Daumier’s lithographs served as a form of visual journalism. They played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and challenging the status quo. The image doesn't just capture a moment; it encapsulates a critique of the values and behaviors of a specific class within 19th-century French society. Through his art, Daumier invites us to reflect on our own values. It also encourages us to consider how power and privilege manifest in our own time.