Regardez, mais n'y touchez pas! 1871

"Regardez, mais n'y touchez pas!" is a satirical lithograph by Honoré Daumier from 1871. The work depicts a figure holding a flag of the French monarchy, their face transformed into the fleur-de-lis symbol. Daumier, known for his social commentary, likely uses this caricature to criticize the Bourbon Restoration and the return of monarchy to France after the Franco-Prussian War. The work's title, translating to "Look but don't touch," further emphasizes this critique, suggesting the fragility and vulnerability of the reinstated monarchy.