Au fait, maitre Barbotteau... c. 19th century

"Au fait, maitre Barbotteau...," is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, a celebrated French artist known for his satirical cartoons and social commentary. Daumier's style of caricature, prevalent in this work, utilizes exaggeration and distortion to highlight social and political issues of the time. The drawing depicts a scene in a courtroom, likely portraying a trial with a lawyer, a witness, and a judge, suggesting the theme of justice and its flaws. The artist's sharp observations of human behavior are readily visible in the exaggerated facial expressions and postures of the figures. This satirical work exemplifies Daumier's ability to convey complex themes through simple, yet impactful imagery, a hallmark of his artistic style.