"She still has... a lovely waistline, Mrs. Coquardeau!" 1847

Curator: This is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "She still has... a lovely waistline, Mrs. Coquardeau!". Editor: It's satirical, certainly. I'm struck by the awkward postures and the stark contrast of light and shadow achieved through the lithographic process. There’s a rawness to the lines. Curator: The subject, bathers, was a common trope, but Daumier uses it to critique bourgeois society. He was fascinated by the emerging industries and techniques of mass media. Lithography allowed for wider distribution and more affordable art. Editor: And the title itself is laden with meaning. The "lovely waistline" becomes ironic through the imagery. There's a commentary here on beauty standards, a play on the performative nature of compliments and perhaps the anxieties around aging and appearance. Curator: Exactly, and the social context of 19th-century France informs the way these bodies are rendered, challenging idealized forms that were typical for the era. The production and distribution of these prints allowed his social critiques to reach a broad audience. Editor: A potent blend of visual satire and cultural commentary, all stemming from simple lithographic stone. The symbolism speaks volumes, doesn’t it? Curator: Indeed, and understanding that blend allows for a greater appreciation of Daumier's wit and skill.