Les petits présens ... c. 19th century

"Les petits présens entretiennent l'amitié," a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from the 19th century, depicts a satirical scene of a man and woman. The woman is embracing the man while he holds up a gift box. Daumier, a prominent French artist known for his caricatures and social commentary, used this artwork to critique the materialistic nature of society. The exaggerated features and humorous portrayal of the characters highlight the absurdity of using gifts to maintain friendships. This piece is a testament to Daumier's keen observation of human nature and his ability to translate social commentary into art.