P. Lamotte Rateau c. 19th century

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicts P. Lamotte Rateau, a figure of some political standing, holding a paper inscribed with "Proposition Rateau." The scroll, typically a symbol of knowledge and authority, here seems to be a prop, ironically underscoring Rateau's political maneuverings. We see echoes of this motif in ancient Roman portraiture, where scrolls symbolized wisdom and governance. Yet, Daumier subverts this, turning the scroll into an emblem of empty political rhetoric. Consider how the orators of ancient times, like Cicero, used gesture and oratory to sway the masses; here, Rateau is reduced to a caricature, his "proposition" a mere affectation. The emotional power of caricature lies in its ability to strip away pretense and reveal underlying truths. Daumier's portrayal, with its exaggerated features, taps into a collective memory of political satire, resonating with viewers on a visceral level. This image is part of the non-linear, cyclical progression of political commentary, a mirror reflecting our own anxieties and skepticism.