Bertrand, j'adore l'industrie... c. 19th century

This lithograph was made by Honoré Daumier in France. The image uses caricature to satirize the world of finance and industry. Daumier was known for his critical commentary on French society, and this work is no exception. Here, he exaggerates the physical features of his subjects to mock their greed and self-importance. The central figure, likely a representation of the wealthy elite, is depicted as grotesquely obese and blinded by his own arrogance. The subservient character beside him emphasizes the power dynamics at play. The artist is offering a pointed critique of the social structures of his time, where wealth and industry were concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to inequality and exploitation. To understand this image more fully, one might consult newspapers, political pamphlets, and economic reports from the period. These would shed light on the specific social conditions that shaped Daumier's critique and the broader role of art as a form of social commentary.