"The fibers fall, the man stays..." 1840

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's piece, "The fibers fall, the man stays...". There's this lonely figure staring in the mirror, all lines and exaggerated features. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Well, it’s Daumier, so biting satire is definitely in play. The dressing gown seems rather grand against the rather deflated figure of the man himself. What do you think he's seeing in the mirror? Vanity, perhaps? Editor: I guess I see a certain vulnerability. It seems he's past his prime. Curator: Exactly! A commentary on aging, societal expectations, and maybe even the fleeting nature of beauty itself. It's a potent mix! Editor: I didn't consider that. It really brings out the contrast between image and reality. Curator: It speaks volumes about the artist's keen observation and skillful execution, doesn't it?