Garçon, qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?... c. 19th century

Curator: Oh my. Someone's not having a pleasant dining experience. Editor: Definitely not! I’m picking up major vibes of frustration and simmering rage. Look at the grimace on that server’s face. It's…intense. Curator: Indeed. This lithograph, "Garçon, qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?..." which roughly translates to “Waiter, what is this?”, is by Honoré Daumier, dating back to the 19th century. Daumier was a master of social commentary through caricature. Editor: Caricature is right. Those exaggerated features! You can feel the tension crackling. It's like witnessing a silent movie with all the melodrama amplified tenfold. Is it just me, or is the disgruntled diner kind of portly? He looks well-fed, anyway. Curator: That exaggeration served a specific purpose. Daumier used his art to critique the bourgeoisie and the political landscape of his time, and often used those portraits of people dining to do it. He published prints like these in newspapers, reaching a wide audience. His characters, often stereotyped, highlighted societal issues like class conflict and corruption. The rise of lithography allowed for cheaper reproductions, further democratizing access to visual satire. Editor: So it’s not just about a bad meal, but a broader commentary on societal tension. This waiter probably is upset the man did not like the way his egg was prepared. It’s interesting how a seemingly simple scene, a dissatisfied customer, becomes a stage for bigger social drama. Even today, this print makes you think. What would I say if my waiter did that? Curator: Exactly. It speaks volumes about power dynamics and social inequalities that continue to resonate even today. We can see ourselves in the situations depicted. Daumier wasn’t just recording history; he was prompting us to examine our present. Editor: Definitely. And next time my soup is cold, I'll probably just grin and bear it and quietly ponder Daumier's lithographs and the complexities of social relations! Curator: A good lesson to keep in mind while navigating the currents of society.