"Little ones! Little ones! Little ones! Come! Come! Come!" c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Little ones! Little ones! Little ones! Come! Come! Come!" by Honoré Daumier. It's a black and white print. It feels very satirical to me. What structural elements jump out at you? Curator: The formal composition is immediately striking. Note the stark contrast achieved through the etching technique; a figure is juxtaposed against a barn. The dynamism hinges on the use of light and shadow. Editor: So it's the contrast that creates the satirical mood? Curator: Precisely. The convergence of form and content creates a compelling visual argument. It offers a rich ground for scholarly interpretations of how Daumier critiques society. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look closer at Daumier’s manipulation of light and shadow. Curator: Indeed, observe the way the artist employs chiaroscuro to highlight the figure’s features.