L'inconvénient d'avoir des domestiques ... c. 19th century

"L'inconvénient d'avoir des domestiques ayant trop de gaité dans le caractère" (The Inconvenience of Having Servants Who Are Too Cheerful), a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from the mid-19th century, depicts a humorous scene of domestic chaos. A maid and footman are engaged in a lively dance, knocking over a chair and leaving a child sprawled on the floor. Daumier, known for his satirical social commentary, uses caricature to highlight the absurdities of class relations, particularly the clash between the expectations of employers and the realities of servant life. This lithograph, part of the "Tout ce qu'on voudra" (Anything You Want) series, offers a glimpse into the artist's keen observation of everyday life, particularly the complexities of social interactions.