Pickhardt Vol. III, Charivari Lithographs by Daumier 1850

Editor: This lithograph, "Pickhardt Vol. III, Charivari Lithographs by Daumier," features these rather grotesque figures. They remind me of something between cherubs and political gargoyles! What exactly am I looking at here? Curator: Ah, Daumier! He took the political temperature of France and sketched it out with acid wit. The figures? Parliamentarians, I imagine, puffed up and absurd. The title, "La Moisson" or "The Harvest", suggests the spoils of political life, perhaps? Doesn't it feel like a dark fairy tale, a critique of those in power, fattening themselves on the labors of others? Editor: It does, especially with that harvest theme. So, is it all metaphor then? Curator: It’s more than metaphor, it’s caricature elevated to social commentary. What do you think Daumier wants us to feel? Editor: Disgust, maybe? But also...a guilty amusement? It's so over-the-top. Curator: Exactly! Daumier held a mirror to society, reflecting back its flaws with a wicked grin. And he invites us to laugh, but also to think. The best kind of art, don't you agree?