Mr. Hume fantasizing about Julius Caesar polishing his boots, plate 388 from Actualités 1857

This lithograph, part of Honoré Daumier’s series *Actualités*, satirizes French society through the depiction of a contemporary politician, Mr. Hume, fantasizing about Julius Caesar polishing his boots. The image's humor lies in the juxtaposition of the historical figure with the modern, highlighting the vanity and self-importance of the politician. Daumier, a renowned social commentator, utilized his artistic skills to critique power and class inequalities in 19th-century France. This satirical print, from 1857, reveals Daumier’s masterful ability to capture the essence of political and social realities in a simple yet powerful image.