"I don't know... but it seems to me..." 1857

Curator: This drawing by Honoré Daumier at the Harvard Art Museums is titled "I don't know... but it seems to me..." Editor: Ah, it’s got a certain anxious energy to it, doesn't it? All these figures leaning forward, practically straining to see what’s ahead. Curator: Daumier was a master of social commentary. Here, he captures the frenetic pace of modern life, those top-hatted figures trapped in their own urgency. Notice the contrast between the forward-leaning passengers and the stoic coachman. Editor: Exactly! And the lack of background detail really amps up the focus on the characters themselves. The lines are so expressive; you can almost feel the jostling of the carriage. Curator: The title itself adds a layer of irony, suggesting a disconnect between perceived speed and reality. Perhaps Daumier is hinting at the futility of this relentless pursuit? Editor: It makes you think about our own obsession with speed and efficiency. Are we really getting anywhere faster, or are we just caught in an endless loop? Curator: A question Daumier leaves lingering in the air with his subtle wit. Editor: Well, I'm left wondering about our own direction...and speed.