Le Maraudeur 1841

This lithograph, by Honoré Daumier, presents a scene of Parisian bohemians, focusing on a 'maraudeur,' or scavenger. Note how Daumier uses the cat as a symbol of cunning and survival, embodying a primal instinct for opportunism. The gesture of the man coaxing the cat connects to the ancient motif of enticement and the animal nature within us. We see echoes of this in folklore and mythology, where animals often represent hidden aspects of the human psyche. Think of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, tempting with forbidden knowledge, or the loyal hound, guarding secrets of the soul. The cat, perched above, becomes an emotional mirror reflecting the man’s desperation. This image touches on the collective memory of survival, reminding us that, like animals, humans are driven by basic needs, sometimes leading to morally ambiguous choices. Thus, this lithograph captures a timeless cycle of desire and adaptation.