<<Nos comptes sont faciles à établir . . .>> c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Nos comptes sont faciles à établir…" by Honoré Daumier, a lithograph offering a glimpse into 19th-century French society. The scene depicts a bookseller interacting with a female customer. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the imbalance – the towering stacks of books versus the two figures, suggesting an intellectual power dynamic at play. The mood feels satirical, perhaps critical. Curator: Absolutely. Daumier often critiqued social norms through his art. The title, which translates to "Our accounts are easy to establish," coupled with the text below, suggests a commentary on the commodification of art and intellectualism, particularly concerning women writers. Editor: The books themselves seem to symbolize knowledge and creativity. The woman, possibly a writer, seeks validation or recognition. Her dress with the head covering suggests an attempt to fit in, a societal mold. Curator: Indeed, and Daumier’s choice of lithography allows for nuanced shading and detail, highlighting the figures' expressions and the cluttered environment. It reflects the rapidly changing landscape of publishing at the time. Editor: It makes me wonder about the role of women in the arts back then, and the struggle for equality they faced. A struggle that unfortunately still resonates today. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to question the historical and ongoing power dynamics within creative fields. Editor: And to perhaps ponder how we value art beyond mere numbers or transactions.