"This partridge died on my land, it will be buried in my stomach!" 1857

Curator: This drawing by Honoré Daumier is titled "This partridge died on my land, it will be buried in my stomach!" It presents an almost cynical view of the hunt. Editor: It’s remarkable how Daumier captures such a darkly comic mood with just a few lines. The stark contrast and exaggerated figures add to the biting satire. Curator: Daumier was known for his social and political commentary, often published in journals. He used caricature to critique the bourgeoisie and the political climate of 19th-century France. Editor: Notice the repetition of form in the cabbage heads. It creates a visual echo, almost mocking the idea of abundance after a successful hunt. Curator: Exactly, and the hunter’s defiant stance, practically daring anyone to challenge his claim, speaks volumes about issues of land ownership and social class at the time. Editor: The piece certainly resonates beyond its immediate subject. It is an illustration of something fundamentally human. Curator: It prompts us to consider the societal structures and power dynamics Daumier aimed to expose.