Tiens, mon ami, voici M. Chapoulard ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, portraying a street scene with caricatured figures, capturing a moment of social interaction and satire. Notice the prominent top hats, symbols of bourgeois status in 19th-century France, exaggerating the pretensions and rigid social hierarchy of the time. Consider how head coverings have appeared across cultures and eras. In medieval Christian art, for instance, the Virgin Mary's veil signified purity and modesty. This echoes in Daumier's bonneted woman, whose attire hints at traditional values, contrasting with the changing modern world. The handshake, a recurring motif throughout history, here seems almost forced, underscoring a superficial connection. Think of how this gesture appears in ancient Roman reliefs, signifying alliances and power. This is a stark reminder of how societal rituals can mask deeper tensions. The psychological weight of these symbols invites us to reflect on the recurring patterns of human interaction and social critique.