Passez au large! c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled "Passez au large!" capturing a moment rife with political tension. The composition is dominated by a robust soldier, his figure meticulously rendered with sharp, decisive lines that emphasize his imposing presence. The eye is immediately drawn to the left, where a large vase labeled "Suffrage Universel" sits on a plinth, Daumier's strategic arrangement implying a precariousness that threatens the very notion of universal suffrage. Note the contrast between the solid, almost crude form of the soldier and the more refined, classical shape of the vase, suggesting conflicting ideals. The soldier, adorned with a helmet bearing the inscription "Const...", stands guard, his stance and weapon forming a visual barrier. Daumier uses line and form to cleverly destabilize the established values of the time. The arrangement of the figures and objects creates a semiotic dance of power and representation, hinting at the fragility of democracy. The artwork serves not merely as a snapshot but as a commentary on the socio-political landscape, inviting us to question the structures of authority and their impact on society.