The Parisian “- Tell me, good man, what are you doing with all these cows once they have become old and don't give milk any more? The Cowherd “- Silly question... we make oxen out of them!,” plate 13 from Ces Bons Parisiens 1857

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier’s lithograph, "The Parisian 'Tell me, good man, what are you doing with all these cows once they have become old and don't give milk any more? The Cowherd 'Silly question... we make oxen out of them!,'” created in 1857. It looks like a satirical commentary, but I’m not entirely sure on what. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, beyond the obvious humor, consider the social commentary. Daumier was a master of reflecting the class divisions in Parisian society. Notice the stark contrast in dress and posture between the Parisian gentleman and the cowherd. What do you think that signifies in terms of power dynamics and access to resources? Editor: The Parisian seems oblivious, asking a ridiculous question that exposes his disconnection from the realities of agricultural life. Is Daumier suggesting that the elite are ignorant of how society functions at a basic level? Curator: Precisely. And think about the Industrial Revolution happening at that time. Traditional roles and rural life were being threatened. The cowherd's straightforward, almost mocking response highlights the absurdity of the Parisian’s question and, more broadly, the widening gap between urban and rural experiences. What impact do you think lithography had on conveying that commentary to the public? Editor: Because lithographs are easily reproduced, it made the artwork affordable and accessible, potentially reaching a broader audience to ignite social critique! Curator: Exactly. Daumier utilized a relatively inexpensive, mass-producible method, meaning that the piece could spread rapidly, sparking essential conversations in Parisian society about class, labor, and societal change. Editor: It's incredible how much context is packed into what initially seemed like a simple joke. Thanks, I appreciate the deeper insight! Curator: Absolutely, understanding these nuances can enable one to really decode the layers of social critique embedded in Daumier’s work and beyond!