Posant en membre du comice d'agriculture ... c. 19th century

This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier and appeared in the series 'Les Bons Bourgeois' - The Good Bourgeoisie. Daumier was a master of social satire in 19th century France, and here he turns his critical eye to the pretensions of the middle class. The image depicts a member of an agricultural committee posing for a photograph. Note the way he leans casually on his shovel, next to his watering can, as if he's a true man of the soil. The title implies that he is merely 'posing' as a member and that it is an affectation rather than a reality. Daumier is highlighting the way the bourgeoisie often adopted superficial symbols of rural life to appear more virtuous. Such images are valuable to historians because they offer insights into the social dynamics and class tensions of the time. Contemporary newspapers, journals, and institutional records can provide further context, helping us to understand the nuances of Daumier's critique and the broader social landscape in which he was working.