Paris with the Flu 1864

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Paris with the Flu." I find the figures really expressive. What statement do you think Daumier is making here? Curator: This caricature speaks volumes about class disparity during epidemics. The affluent could afford to protect themselves, while the working class, often blamed for spreading disease, bore the brunt. How does Daumier visually emphasize this difference? Editor: The clothing and expressions seem to highlight those differences. Curator: Exactly. Daumier's critique extends beyond public health, challenging the social structures that exacerbate inequality. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation of the work. Editor: I see it now. The piece is not just about the flu, but about social injustice. Curator: Precisely. Art as a mirror reflecting societal ills.