Oui, monsieur Chapuzot... 1852

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, "Oui, monsieur Chapuzot..." during the 19th century in France. Daumier was a master of social commentary, and this work encapsulates the rigid class structures of the time. The image depicts two older men and a child, all adorned in the attire of the bourgeoisie: top hats, coats, and neatly tailored clothes. The child appears to be greeting one of the men, who bows his head in acknowledgement. The architecture in the background and the dress of the figures suggest a Parisian street scene. Daumier was known for his satirical takes on the bourgeoisie. His artwork often served as a critique of the social hierarchies and power dynamics prevalent in French society during the 1800s. To fully grasp the layers of meaning, art historians explore newspapers and journals from the era. These resources provide valuable context about the attitudes and customs of the time. Art becomes contingent on its moment.