Une visite a l'atelier c. 19th century

This satirical lithograph titled "Une visite à l’atelier" by Honoré Daumier, from the series *Les Beaux Jours de la Vie* (c. 19th century), depicts two men, one a pretentious artist and the other a wealthy patron, scrutinizing a seemingly simple artwork. The artist, with a paintbrush in hand, stands behind the easel, his face expressing a mixture of pride and uncertainty as he presents his creation, while the patron's exaggerated expression suggests a forced appreciation of the piece. The caricatures of the men and their exaggerated reactions reveal Daumier's sharp wit and commentary on the art world of his time. Daumier’s keen observations on the society around him, particularly the pretentiousness and self-importance of the art world, led to a significant body of caricatured illustrations, which he often used to comment on social issues and expose the hypocrisy of the elite.