“- Hello, neighbour... what was all this yelling about... did you see the comet? - I thought I had seen it over there... but then it was just the fire from a chimney... this time we got off with no more than a fright,” plate 3 from La Cométe De 1857 1857

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, made in 1857, depicts two neighbors startled by what they believe to be a comet. Here, the comet acts as a potent symbol, not merely of celestial events but of collective anxiety and superstition. Throughout history, comets have been interpreted as omens. From the Bayeux Tapestry's depiction of Halley's Comet foretelling the Norman Conquest, to more modern interpretations, these celestial events have been linked to upheaval. Daumier cleverly taps into this deep-seated cultural memory. The fear on the faces of the neighbors reflects a primitive response—a subconscious dread passed down through generations. The "comet" becomes a trigger, activating our collective fears of the unknown. Notice how Daumier frames the scene: the figures are caught in a moment of raw, unadulterated fear. This primal emotion, triggered by the sight of something extraordinary, is a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. It reminds us that such imagery has recurred and resurfaced, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.