Taking the Title of the Articles of Mr. de Girardin Too Seriously 1866

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "Taking the Title of the Articles of Mr. de Girardin Too Seriously," presents such a grim scene with the skull and crossbones juxtaposed against the figures. What societal commentary do you see in this piece? Curator: This work, like much of Daumier’s oeuvre, critiques the powerful. Consider how he uses satire to expose the morbid undertones of journalism. Do you think this imagery challenges the role of the press in shaping public opinion and potentially profiting from misfortune? Editor: It definitely feels like a commentary on exploiting tragedy for headlines. It’s powerful to see how Daumier used his art as social criticism. Curator: Exactly. Daumier held a mirror to his society, prompting us to question the structures of power and their impact on everyday life, even today.