Lolo qu'aimes-tu mieux de ton papa ou de ta maman... 1838

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled "Lolo qu'aimes-tu mieux de ton papa ou de ta maman..." which translates to "Lolo, who do you love more, your papa or your mama..." as part of a series called "Croquis d'Expressions". Daumier lived through profound social and political change in 19th-century France, and was a Republican who often satirized the bourgeoisie. In this piece, a family is depicted with stark realism. The parents’ expressions are caught in a moment of expectation, while the child, seemingly caught off guard by the question, looks away towards the food, replying: "I like the maid more". The parents, whose faces show clear signs of aging, seem caught in a moment of disillusionment. This work captures a slice of domestic life and subtly critiques the social dynamics within the family. The emotional disconnect between the parents and child invites us to reflect on themes of affection, social class, and the unvarnished realities of family life.