"Dammit! Let's respect the proprieties!" 1837

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Dammit! Let's respect the proprieties!" It's a lithograph print. The scene feels very theatrical, and the figures seem caught in a moment of high drama. What symbols stand out to you in this image? Curator: The title itself! "Respect the proprieties!" It speaks volumes about societal expectations. Notice the contrast: one man swooning, the other holding papers, perhaps a contract. This suggests a forced agreement. It's a commentary on the constraints of social conventions and economic pressure. What do you think it might be hinting at? Editor: Maybe a critique of arranged marriages or business deals disguised as social events? The swooning man looks genuinely distressed. Curator: Exactly! And the dog figurine at the base of the chair might symbolize loyalty or even the taming of wilder instincts. See how Daumier uses familiar symbols to convey complex social critiques? Editor: That makes so much sense. I'll look for details like that in other satirical works now. Curator: Wonderful! It is fascinating how art continues to speak across time, isn't it?