-Oh!...my friend...I'm afraid of these people! -You are right, they are very wicked...they beat the women and make them slaves. 1859

Curator: Editor: This is an intriguing print by Honoré Daumier, titled "-Oh!...my friend...I'm afraid of these people! -You are right, they are very wicked...they beat the women and make them slaves." The image is filled with nervous energy. What's your take on its historical context? Curator: The print's power lies in its critique of social injustice and colonialism. Daumier daringly exposes the hypocrisy of 19th-century French society. Who is afforded protection and safety, and who is subjected to violence and erasure? Editor: So, it's not just about the fear expressed in the dialogue, but also about who holds power? Curator: Exactly. Daumier compels us to consider the intersection of race, gender, and class, reflecting on the systemic oppression embedded within societal structures. It still resonates today, doesn't it? Editor: It certainly does. It is interesting to see the parallels with modern conversations about the impact of colonialism. Curator: Absolutely, and this work serves as a reminder of art's potential to provoke change.