Robert Macaire en Bertrand bij een stratenmaker Possibly 1838

This lithograph, *Robert Macaire en Bertrand bij een stratenmaker* (Robert Macaire and Bertrand with a Street-Pavement Layer), created by Honoré Daumier around 1838, captures the essence of social satire that made him famous. Daumier’s work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly the lower classes, and this piece is no exception. It depicts a scene of street life in which a character, most likely Robert Macaire, known for his cunning and deceit, is shown interacting with a working-class man. The lithograph’s sharp lines and bold contrasts accentuate the social commentary, highlighting the differences in status and wealth within 19th-century French society. The image, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, serves as a reminder of Daumier's powerful ability to use art as a tool for social critique.