Décidément, ce qui, cette année, obtient ... c. 19th century

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicts a crowd of figures at a sculpture exhibition, but the real focus is the swans in the foreground. Here, Daumier is engaging with the concept of the "swan song," a symbol of finality and beauty, often associated with profound artistic expression. The swan, historically, is a complex symbol. Ancient Greeks associated it with Apollo, the god of music and light, linking the bird to creativity and harmony. But in other contexts, the swan can represent solitude and transformation. Think of Leda and the Swan, a motif that has recurred throughout art history, carrying themes of divine intervention and hidden power. Here, the artist uses the image of the swan to reflect on art and artistic expression. The juxtaposition of the elegant swans with the indifferent crowd suggests a commentary on the public’s perception and appreciation of art. It touches on the subconscious desire to witness beauty and transcendence, yet often failing to truly engage with it. The swan reminds us that art has the power to evoke deep emotional responses, connecting us to the eternal human condition.