Nouveau manteau talma c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph called, "Nouveau manteau talma" during a period of significant social and political change in France. Daumier was working in a time when the rise of the bourgeoisie was very evident. He created art that was often critical of middle-class values and pretensions. In this image, Daumier portrays a group of Parisian men donning the latest fashion trend, the "Talma" overcoat. The caption mocks the garment, suggesting it gives the wearer a completely comical appearance. The artist uses satire to unmask the absurdity of bourgeois society, where identity and status were increasingly tied to material possessions. Daumier's work provides a glimpse into the cultural landscape of 19th-century Paris, marked by social stratification and the pursuit of social recognition. He prompts us to consider the ways in which fashion can both reflect and shape our perceptions of identity and class.