Conducteur ... j'avais pris vos messageries ... c. 19th century

This lithograph, created by Honoré Daumier in the 19th century, is a satirical portrayal of the dangers of early railway travel. The exaggerated figures, including a distraught woman with a “Messageries Generales” label, and a conductor signaling a stop, highlight the fears associated with the emerging technology. Daumier's works often critiqued contemporary social issues, and this lithograph exemplifies his use of caricature to expose the anxieties and anxieties of his time. "Physiognomies des Chemins de Fer" is the title of this series which focused on the growing technology of railways, showcasing the humor and anxieties surrounding this new means of transport.