Mr. Baill c. 19th century

Editor: Daumier's lithograph of "Mr. Baill" feels quite satirical. The figure’s heavy build and haughty expression seem to communicate arrogance. What symbols or cultural references are at play here? Curator: The visual vocabulary is intriguing, isn’t it? Daumier uses exaggeration to evoke moral judgments. Think about the tightened cravat, a symbol of bourgeois stuffiness. How does his turned head affect your perception? Editor: It makes him seem dismissive, like he is above acknowledging others. Curator: Precisely. Daumier’s works often critique societal figures. The weight of his form suggests power, perhaps even corruption. Are we meant to empathize or condemn? Editor: I see your point. It makes you think about the relationship between appearance and character. Curator: Exactly! It shows how visual imagery encodes social critique.