L'ouie c. 19th century

Honore Daumier made this lithograph, titled "L'ouie," which translates to "Hearing," sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts a domestic scene with a sleeping couple and their crying baby. Daumier's work often critiqued the social structures of his time in France, particularly the bourgeoisie. The image, part of a series called "Types Parisiens," presents a commentary on family life and the challenges of parenthood within Parisian society. We can consider how Daumier uses caricature to mock the middle-class family unit. The exaggerated features of the man and the woman underscore the artist’s satire of their lifestyle and their place in society. The lithograph's availability in print form suggests an intention to reach a broad audience, inviting commentary and reflection on contemporary life. To fully understand Daumier’s social critique, we can consult period publications, political cartoons, and social commentaries that would contextualize his work within the debates of the time. By exploring these resources, we gain insight into the public role of art and the politics of imagery in 19th-century France.