Vous voyez ... je viens de faire ... mon marché ... c. 19th century

This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier, who was born in Marseille in 1808. Daumier lived through a period of immense social and political upheaval in France. In this print, Daumier satirizes the bourgeoisie. The central figure sits atop a horse-like creature, a symbol of his elevated social status, addressing two figures on the right. The horse-like animal seems to be less of a noble steed and more of a tired nag. The two figures in the foreground, in turn, seem weary of this person’s self-importance. Daumier critiqued the political climate and social customs of 19th century France by lampooning the wealthy and powerful. What does it mean to see your social betters rendered as, well, less than? Daumier seems to ask us to consider the true value of those who claim superiority, and whether their status is truly deserved.