"So tell me, wife... I think we were wrong..." 1859

Editor: This is a print by Honoré Daumier, titled "So tell me, wife... I think we were wrong...". It depicts a family in a vineyard. I'm struck by the satirical element; the man seems to realize they’ve let their child eat too many grapes. What can you tell me about the social context of this work? Curator: Daumier was known for his social and political commentary. This image, likely published in a journal like *Le Charivari*, critiques the bourgeois family. We see the parents indulging their child, perhaps excessively, which becomes a source of potential trouble. The image highlights the anxieties and indulgences of the rising middle class in 19th century France. Editor: So, it’s not just about grapes, but about a specific cultural critique? Curator: Exactly. Daumier used everyday scenes to expose the follies and contradictions of his time, making this piece very relevant to contemporary social discourse. Editor: That’s fascinating, I’ll definitely look at Daumier’s work with new eyes. Curator: Indeed, it offers us a window into the social politics of 19th-century France.