M. Prudhomme: "Hooray for the third class carriages, where you can be asphyxiated but never assassinated!" 1864

Editor: So, this is Daumier's "M. Prudhomme: 'Hooray for the third class carriages, where you can be asphyxiated but never assassinated!'". It looks like a sardonic commentary, but I'm not quite sure what to make of it. What strikes you when you look at this image? Curator: Well, isn’t it a glorious indictment of social realities? The way Daumier crams those third-class passengers, highlighting their resignation, speaks volumes about the era's class disparities. Do you notice the contrast between the smug face of M. Prudhomme and the faces of his fellow passengers? Editor: I do. It's unsettling. So, it's not just about the discomfort of travel, but about social satire? Curator: Precisely! Daumier was a master of poking fun at the bourgeoisie. He’s inviting us to laugh, but also to reflect on the human condition, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely, I will keep that in mind. Thank you for your perspective.