"To say that I am going to be...exhibited..." 1859

Curator: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, "To say that I am going to be...exhibited...", depicts a family viewing a sculpture in what appears to be an exhibition. Editor: The scene feels charged, almost satirical. The exaggerated features of the figures and the stark lighting create a tense, slightly absurd atmosphere. There's a clear power dynamic at play, don't you think? Curator: Absolutely, Daumier frequently used his art to critique the bourgeoisie, and this piece is no exception. It speaks volumes about the aspirations and vanities of the upper class in 19th-century Paris, particularly their desire for recognition and social validation through art. The sculpture serves as a mirror, reflecting their own self-importance. Editor: The positioning of the child, looking up at the bust, highlights how these values are being transferred across generations. It's a powerful commentary on the construction of identity and the perpetuation of social hierarchies through art. Curator: Indeed. This work reminds us that art isn't created or viewed in a vacuum, but is always enmeshed in broader socio-political narratives. Editor: For me, it really highlights how art both shapes and is shaped by our understanding of ourselves and others.