Bien vexés de ne pas trouver... la couronne... 1871

This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier, a French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor. In this satirical scene, Daumier uses stark contrasts of light and shadow to highlight the disappointment of figures searching for a crown in shoes by a fireplace. The composition is structured around the gaze and gestures of the figures. Notice how their elongated forms and exaggerated features convey a sense of disillusionment and frustration. The figures appear as archetypes representing political factions of the time; they are caught in a moment of futile expectation. Daumier critiques the structures of power and the symbols that sustain them. The newspaper draped over one of the figures adds another layer of political commentary, suggesting the role of the press in shaping public opinion. The artwork is not just a snapshot of a historical moment but an ongoing commentary on the dynamics of power, perception, and representation.