Est-il permis d'être maigre comme ca! ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier sketched this satirical lithograph, targeting Parisian society through grotesque caricatures bathing at Deligny. Observe how Daumier exaggerates the body types: the emaciated figures contrasted with the corpulent man. This contrast evokes the ancient dichotomy between the lean ascetic and the hedonistic, well-fed figure. Consider the medieval allegories of the Seven Deadly Sins, where gluttony is often depicted through similar exaggerated forms. We see echoes of this in later works too, such as in Ensor's paintings of grotesque figures. The collective memory of social critique, amplified by Daumier’s stark contrasts, taps into our shared subconscious recognition of societal imbalances. We are drawn to the emotional intensity of the artwork, as it challenges conventional body images and highlights the complexities of social perception. This visual language continuously resurfaces, adapting to new contexts, yet rooted in the timeless struggle between appearance and social commentary.