Gare le déraillement! 1866

"Gare le déraillement!" is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from 1866. The artwork depicts a man placing a large sign inscribed "Suffrage Universel" (Universal Suffrage) across a train track, hindering the progress of a train and its passengers. Daumier, a prominent French artist and social commentator, often used satire in his work to criticize social and political issues. This satirical image humorously highlights the dangers of universal suffrage, suggesting it could derail the existing social order. The lithographic technique, known for its bold lines and expressive use of black and white, further emphasizes the caricatured nature of the artwork.