"Beer? never...only absinthe'll set a man up..." 1863

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "Beer? never...only absinthe'll set a man up...", is fascinating. The frenetic lines and grotesque faces create a sense of unease. How did societal views on absinthe influence Daumier's work? Curator: Daumier uses the imagery of absinthe consumption to critique the social ills of 19th-century Paris. Absinthe became a symbol of decadence and moral decay, associated with the working class and bohemian circles. How does Daumier visually represent this social commentary through composition? Editor: The contrast between the haggard man with absinthe and the more "respectable" figures in the background seems to highlight that divide. It's interesting how art reflects those anxieties. Curator: Precisely. It demonstrates the powerful role of art in shaping public opinion and reflecting social tensions.