“- Would you please come back immediately... I do not allow my tenants to receive visitors once I have cleaned the staircase,” plate 1 from Messieurs Les Concierges 1858

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph entitled “Would you please come back immediately...” as part of his series "Messieurs Les Concierges." The stark contrast between the ascending figure and the concierge arrests us immediately. Daumier uses the strong diagonal lines of the staircase to create a visual tension, emphasizing the conflict. The composition is neatly divided, with the visitor rendered in softer lines on the left and the concierge on the right, defined by sharper, more aggressive strokes. Daumier masterfully uses the semiotic language of space. The staircase becomes a battleground for social dominance. The aggressive posture and dark lines of the concierge suggests a rigid enforcement of social boundaries. His mop is a symbol of his self-ordained power. The brilliance of Daumier lies in his ability to use form to embody a complex social commentary, inviting us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in everyday life.