Mr. Berthe c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Daumier's "Mr. Berthe," a lithograph portrait. The man's posture and facial expression seem to convey a sense of self-importance and perhaps a bit of arrogance. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Consider how Daumier uses caricature. Observe how specific features are exaggerated—the size of the nose, the tightness of the jacket. These aren't merely physical traits but symbols, suggesting moral or intellectual failings. What might they represent in the context of 19th-century French society? Editor: So, you're saying Daumier uses visual cues to comment on the individual's character and the values of the time? Curator: Exactly. Images like this become powerful cultural artifacts, preserving collective memories and judgments. Daumier’s choices invite us to reflect on how we perceive and judge individuals within our own society.