"Hah, you're good at Latin verse, young man..that's very good..." 1847

Curator: This lithograph, by Honoré Daumier, is titled "Hah, you're good at Latin verse, young man...that's very good..." and it's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it's got a certain... sting, doesn't it? That kid looks so proud, yet diminished between those top-hatted figures. Curator: Daumier was a master of social commentary, often using lithography to critique the bourgeoisie. This print likely speaks to class and education, with the Latin verse highlighting a social divide. Editor: And the boy's expression – is it pride or just hope clinging on for dear life? I feel a bit sorry for him, caught in the crossfire of ambition and expectation. Curator: Exactly. The materials themselves—lithographic ink on paper—allowed for mass production and distribution, making Daumier's critiques widely accessible. Editor: It’s a perfect medium for this kind of biting observation, isn't it? Makes you wonder about the original audience's reaction. Curator: Indeed. Looking at it now, Daumier’s exploration of social dynamics is as relevant as ever. Editor: Absolutely, it's a stark reminder that some power structures endure, even in art.