“- You are not wearing a Talma yet? - No, I remain loyal to the overcoat, it's more flattering to my waistline,” plate 1 from Les Bons Parisiens 1852

Honoré Daumier produced this lithograph titled “- You are not wearing a Talma yet? - No, I remain loyal to the overcoat, it's more flattering to my waistline,” in 19th-century France as part of his series “Les Bons Parisiens.” It depicts two bourgeois men discussing fashion. Daumier was a keen observer and critic of Parisian society, using caricature to expose the vanity and superficiality of the upper classes. The humor lies in the men’s concern with appearance rather than substance. The "talma" refers to a fashionable cloak. The overcoat is presented as a more flattering garment, a signifier of status and taste. Daumier's work offers valuable insights into the cultural values and social hierarchies of 19th-century Paris. Prints like these were originally published in newspapers, reaching a wide audience and shaping public opinion. To fully understand this image, we might consult fashion plates from the period or delve into the history of Parisian social life. Only then can we fully appreciate Daumier’s sharp wit and social commentary.