Courses nautiques de 1856 c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, "Courses nautiques de 1856," as part of his satirical series "Actualités." It captures a horse race in the rain, viewed by spectators with umbrellas. Daumier was a Republican deeply affected by the socio-political climate of 19th-century France. His works often critiqued the bourgeoisie and the government of his time. Here, the absurdity of wealthy spectators gathering in terrible weather highlights a culture of leisure detached from the hardships faced by the working class. Daumier uses caricature to mock the upper class, presenting them as unflattering and comically absorbed in their pastimes, while their privilege remains unchecked. The text at the bottom reads: "Oh! it is admirable how fast they go... and without oars!" This mocks the upper class by humorously pointing out how strange their hobby looks in comparison to those who do the actual labor. In his work, Daumier challenges the traditional representations of heroism and beauty, turning instead to the everyday struggles of ordinary people. He reminds us that even in moments of leisure, social inequalities persist.