Allons lancez vous père goutot... c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have "Allons lancez vous père goutot…", a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from the 19th century. It's a work that showcases his skill in capturing social satire. Editor: Oh, it's giving me the creeps, honestly! Something about the griminess and that head just bobbing in the water like a… a bad dream. I’d call it melancholic comedy! Curator: That “griminess”, as you say, can be seen as Daumier’s social critique coming through. Consider the political climate of the time, especially censorship. Satire, like that present here, was a potent tool of resistance and commentary. The print's title translates roughly to "Go ahead, jump in, Father Goutot! It's a real laundry!". Editor: So, who exactly *is* Father Goutot? I get this isn't just about some chaps taking a bath…or ending up as someone's wash cycle. Curator: Daumier often targeted the bourgeoisie in his work. I think Father Goutot embodies the artist's wider critique of bourgeois society: it can be argued that he might be a member of parliament… Editor: Oh, really? I'm sure the other chaps must be important also. I find the faces especially grotesque—really hitting home how ridiculous people can be. The bathers remind me of characters you might find in a warped play... Curator: Exactly. He holds a mirror up to society, prompting reflection on morality and class. You will observe his commitment to Romanticism is still visible with his line-work despite the grimness you noticed earlier on. Editor: The overall impression isn’t so romantic, though. I do enjoy how loose the lithography feels! As if he’s capturing a fleeting, rather naughty, moment. I have such strong images in my head when imagining such scenarios. It does make me question my idea of enjoyment when bathing. Curator: And that's what makes Daumier so brilliant, his lasting impact lies in encouraging ongoing examination of social structures through art. His work continues to provoke crucial dialogues about the values our society upholds or neglects. Editor: It reminds us, perhaps darkly, of the ridiculous aspects of society with wit and maybe, I don’t know, a splash of unsettling humour? You won't see me at the pool anytime soon!