Trois Pauvres aveugles c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, “Trois Pauvres aveugles,” during a time of significant social and political upheaval in France. Daumier was a staunch Republican, and he often used his art to critique the bourgeoisie and advocate for the working class. Here, Daumier depicts three blind figures. One man is holding a staff, and another is wearing clothing with what looks like a satirical newspaper attached to his chest. This newspaper seems to mock the contemporary press that time, which was often accused of being blind to the plight of the poor. What Daumier is portraying is a society that is blind to the needs of its most vulnerable members. Daumier's work humanizes the poor. He invites us to confront the social injustices of his time, which still reverberate today. "Trois Pauvres aveugles" resonates with the recognition that to ignore the suffering of others is to diminish our own humanity.