"We are all honest people . . ." c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "We are all honest people . . .". The exaggerated figures and the almost grotesque embrace feel deeply satirical. What's your read on the social commentary here? Curator: Daumier, a master of social critique, skewers the bourgeoisie here. Notice the title's irony juxtaposed with the men's self-satisfied embraces. Consider the political climate; Daumier often targeted corruption and hypocrisy within the French government and upper classes through publications like Le Charivari. Editor: So, the embrace isn't genuine camaraderie, but rather a public performance? Curator: Precisely. The visual language of caricature serves to unmask the facade of honesty, suggesting that their camaraderie is built on shared deceit, and that these figures are representative of society at large. What does the setting imply? Editor: It feels like a courtroom or some kind of formal gathering, adding to the sense of staged sincerity. I see now that Daumier uses humor to expose some uncomfortable truths. Curator: Exactly. Daumier’s commentary resonates even today, reminding us to critically examine displays of public virtue.