La dêroute! c. 19th century

"La Déroute!" (The Rout!), a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, is a satirical commentary on the French political scene in the 19th century. Daumier, known for his incisive social critique, depicts a chaotic scene of figures struggling and falling, representing the collapse of a political regime. The prominent "Urne du Scrutin du 10 Mars" (Ballot Box of March 10th) suggests a recent election and the ensuing turmoil. Daumier’s signature style of caricature is evident in the exaggerated features and expressions of the figures, heightening the sense of disarray and chaos. This work is a powerful example of Daumier's use of art as a tool for social commentary and political critique, highlighting the instability and anxieties of the French political landscape in the mid-19th century.