Se posant en appréciateur c. 19th century

Editor: So, here we have Honoré Daumier’s lithograph, "Se posant en appreciateur," dating from the 19th century. What immediately strikes me is the almost sneering observation of these characters. Their expressions, those tightly pursed lips! It feels so satirical. What do you make of it? Curator: You’ve nailed it! Daumier was the king of satire, you know, a real Parisian commentator. These fellas "posing as connoisseurs" are part of a series called "Les Parisiens," kind of like a sociological study done with charcoal. But it’s not just *what* they're observing, it’s *how* they observe. He's lampooning their self-importance, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely! The way their eyes are subtly raised… almost judgmental. Were lithographs like this widely available? Curator: Exactly! They were printed in newspapers and magazines. It’s visual commentary *for the people*. Think about the power that had then! Each line Daumier made had purpose. It makes me wonder...what societal performances do *we* enact? The difference is, social media now does a lot of Daumier’s old job. But in a different key and to very different effect. Editor: That’s a thought. I’m also struck by how Daumier captured these minute expressions with such minimal detail, quite effectively for that period! It adds another layer to the work, a complexity beyond the humor. Curator: Right? It's economical art, wielding enormous persuasive potential with seeming casualness. I leave today with a richer sense of its brilliance and bite! Thank you! Editor: Likewise! It's fascinating how his pointed observations from the 19th century still ring true today.