“- Inspite of all their assertions that their guns are only loaded with small shots, it is nonetheless annoying to be aimed at the head like this for three consecutive hours... I tremble at the thought that they might dream of an encounter with a rabbit...,” plate 13 from Émotions De Chasse 1855

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier's lithograph from 1855, "In spite of all their assertions… I tremble at the thought that they might dream of an encounter with a rabbit…”. The expressions on their faces really capture a feeling of anxiety and discomfort. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this image? Curator: Daumier was a master of social commentary, and this lithograph, part of his "Emotions de Chasse" series, critiques the bourgeoisie’s obsession with hunting. Consider the caption—the discomfort of being targeted, the fear of a random encounter. It's not just about hunting rabbits, is it? Editor: I see your point. It's like he’s commenting on the anxieties of everyday life. The title highlights emotional experience while it's evident the figure on the center looks weary. Why hunting, though? Was that a significant part of Parisian life? Curator: Exactly. Hunting was a popular pastime for the upper and middle classes, a way to assert dominance over nature and, perhaps, over others. Daumier uses caricature to expose the absurdity and, dare I say, the potential violence simmering beneath the surface of this leisure activity. The rifles pointed at head-height, even supposedly loaded with small shot, speak to a real danger. Think about who controlled the image of Paris at this time; who were they speaking to? Editor: So, it’s less about the hunt itself, and more about the social implications of who participates in the hunt. Daumier highlights underlying tensions through humor, making a point about the unease that pervaded the era? Curator: Precisely. Daumier gave the print this long, narrative title, and then provided the satirical drawing as its counterpart. Editor: This gives me a fresh lens on what’s happening. I’ll definitely look at Daumier differently now. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It is about finding the art reflecting on the power structures of its era, right?