Plaisanterie que se permettent ... c. 19th century

This satirical lithograph by Honoré Daumier, created in the 19th century, depicts a man in his nightgown recoiling in horror from a horse's head poking through an open doorway. Daumier, known for his social commentary, likely used this scene to criticize the increasing congestion and chaotic nature of urban life in Paris, particularly in the fashionable district of the Champs-Élysées. The humorous exaggeration of the situation serves as a commentary on the absurdity of daily life in a rapidly modernizing city. The use of lithography allowed for mass production and dissemination of Daumier's work, making him a popular voice for the people. This specific work is a testament to his wit and ability to capture the essence of social change through satirical imagery.