"Isn't he cute! . . . the cherub! . . ." 1839

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Isn't he cute! . . . the cherub! . . ." in the Harvard Art Museums. The sharp lines give it a real sense of immediacy, but it’s also quite funny. What do you notice about the composition? Curator: Formally, one observes Daumier’s strategic use of caricature. Note how the exaggeration of features serves to underscore the emotional tenor of the scene. The contrast of light and shadow accentuates the figures. Editor: So, it’s not just about humor, but about the way Daumier uses these artistic elements to create a particular effect? Curator: Precisely. The formal elements work together to create a social commentary, a critical observation of bourgeois sentimentality. The piece makes us question our perceptions. Editor: I hadn't considered how the formal elements contribute to the piece's critical edge. It's more than just a funny drawing. Curator: Indeed, analyzing these visual structures reveals deeper layers of meaning.