(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion... 1852

This lithograph, created in 1852 by Honoré Daumier, captures a humorous moment in Parisian social life. Entitled "(1er Bas Bleu) - Profitons de l'occasion...", the image depicts three women, with a focus on a "Bas Bleu," a woman known for her intelligence and participation in Parisian literary and intellectual circles. Daumier's caricatures were known for their satirical commentary on French society, and this work likely criticizes the vanity and pretension of the Bas Bleus. The artist’s expressive linework and detailed characterization, particularly the woman’s exaggerated spectacles, contribute to the scene's comedic impact. This print offers a glimpse into 19th-century French society, revealing Daumier's talent for social observation and his use of satire to engage with contemporary social issues.