Great revolt of the rats of Montfaucon which don't want their feed to be taken away by scientists, plate 12 from Les Hippophages 1856

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, whose title translates to "Great revolt of the rats of Montfaucon which don't want their feed to be taken away by scientists", was created during a time of significant social and political change in France. Daumier, known for his sharp social critiques, uses the scene of rats revolting against scientists to make a broader commentary on the powerful exploiting the vulnerable. Here, the rats, typically seen as pests, symbolize the marginalized, fighting to protect their livelihood against the encroachment of the elite scientists, who represent the oppressive forces of the state. There's a visceral tension in this image. It's as if Daumier wants us to consider the emotional and ethical implications of scientific progress when it comes at the expense of others. This work isn't just about rats and scientists; it's a reflection on power dynamics, survival, and resistance during the July Monarchy.