The Bath Tub Cars. “- Say, Jerome....did you see these travellers yesterday who complained about our cars under the pretext that the rain inconvenienced them? - For only 7 Francs they traveled to Orléans, including a four hour bath.... there are people who are never content! Next they will want us to serve them an almond-paté as part of the bargain... and then they don't even give a sou to the boy who cleans the bath tub,” plate 10 from Les Chemins De Fer 1843

“The Bath Tub Cars” is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, created in 1843. This satirical print from the series Les Chemins De Fer lampoons the complaints of passengers on early railway trains, particularly those regarding the lack of amenities. Daumier's caricature of a man cleaning a bathtub, while passengers grumble about the conditions, exemplifies his keen observation of social injustices and absurdities of everyday life. The humorous depiction of the bath as part of the train journey, along with the attendant's exasperated dialogue, highlights the disconnect between the realities of travel and the expectations of the passengers. The lithograph showcases Daumier's mastery of social commentary through visual storytelling, using simple linework to convey a complex message about the evolving world of transportation.