"To say that maybe one day I wil become as fat as that!" 1853

Editor: This is a drawing by Honoré Daumier, titled "To say that maybe one day I will become as fat as that!". It's quite striking! The scale of the pig compared to the people is… well, how do you interpret this work? Curator: The pig, rendered with such exaggerated mass, becomes a symbol. Daumier is using it as a mirror reflecting societal anxieties about wealth, excess, and the burgeoning bourgeoisie. What do you make of the people observing the animal? Editor: They seem to be a little disgusted, or perhaps envious? Curator: Precisely. Daumier captures a moment of self-recognition, tinged with satire. The pig represents gluttony, both literal and metaphorical, and the observers are forced to confront that within themselves. It reminds us of similar symbols throughout art history. Editor: So, the drawing is more than just a funny scene – it's a commentary on society. Thanks, I learned so much! Curator: Absolutely! These symbols offer insights into the culture that created them.