Eh! Ben, v'la du propre! ... on dit ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Eh! Ben, v'la du propre! ... on dit ...", amidst the turbulent social and political landscape of 19th-century France. As a caricaturist, Daumier often used his art to critique the bourgeoisie and comment on contemporary issues, including gender roles and marriage. Here, we see two women discussing the retraction of divorce laws, a hot-button issue that directly impacted women's rights and autonomy. The standing figure, presumably Madame Chapoulard, is visibly agitated, embodying the "volcano of revolutions" mentioned in the caption. Her stance and expression suggest a defiance against the constraints imposed by the legal system. Meanwhile, the seated woman, cradling what appears to be a pillow, seems weary. Daumier captures the emotional weight of the political discourse, highlighting how legal decisions reverberate through personal lives, particularly for women navigating the complexities of marriage and societal expectations. The print serves as both a historical document and a poignant reflection on gender inequality.