Le char de l'état en 1871 1871

"Le char de l’état en 1871," a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, satirizes the political turmoil in France during the Franco-Prussian War. In the artwork, two figures, representing Paris and Versailles, are depicted riding in a carriage pulled by horses. The figure representing Versailles, holding a whip, is driving the figure representing Paris, symbolizing the conflict between the two cities. Daumier’s use of simple lines and bold forms creates a powerful and visually striking image that encapsulates the political tensions of the time. The artwork's title, "The State's Chariot in 1871," underscores the theme of political instability and the struggle for control in post-war France.