Comment ... c'est-t'y dieu possible! ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Comment ... c'est-t'y dieu possible! ..." which translates to "How is that God is possible!...". It was published in 1857 as part of a series called "Actualités." Daumier, living through France's tumultuous 19th century, often used his art to comment on social and political issues. Here, he captures a moment of everyday life, tinged with the anxieties of the working class. The print depicts three women in front of a butcher's shop, their faces etched with concern as they discuss the rising cost of meat. "Soon beef will be worth almost nothing, and veal on top of the market!" reads the caption. Daumier sheds light on the economic hardships faced by ordinary people, especially women, who were often responsible for managing household budgets. The raw, emotional expressions of the women reflect the collective worry about providing for their families amidst economic instability. His work goes beyond mere representation, it evokes a sense of shared humanity, inviting us to reflect on the timeless struggle for economic justice and dignity.