The Collector of Cigar Stubs. “When will these buggers finally have finished smoking! They're bailiff's clerks; they smoke until the ashes are left. No way to squeeze a centime out of them,” plate 4 from Bohémiens De Paris 1841

“The Collector of Cigar Stubs,” a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, is a satirical commentary on the social classes in 19th-century Paris. The artwork depicts a man collecting the cigar stubs of two wealthy, well-dressed men. Daumier, known for his politically charged caricatures, uses exaggeration and humor to highlight the social inequalities of his time. This print is part of a larger series, "Bohémiens De Paris," and demonstrates Daumier’s mastery of lithography, using shades of gray to create a realistic and expressive scene. The image satirizes the upper class's penchant for luxury and wastefulness while depicting the struggles of the working class. This piece captures the essence of Daumier's art, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Parisian life and its complexities.