"Come, worthy support of greatness..." 1848

Editor: So, this is "Come, worthy support of greatness..." by Honoré Daumier. It's a lithograph, I think, and the figures are giving me a very theatrical vibe. What do you make of this scene? Curator: Theatrically poignant indeed! I see Daumier poking fun at the self-seriousness of classical drama and the political elite, a recurring theme in his work. Those doleful expressions! Do you think they're truly mourning or just going through the motions? Editor: Probably the latter! I guess it's a cynical take on power and performance. Curator: Precisely! Daumier was a master of social commentary, cloaked in wit. It makes you wonder what contemporary "tragedies" he'd be lampooning today. Editor: True, this makes me think about the politicians and the performative mourning of the world stage. Thanks!