Votre client est un gredin ... c. 19th century

Here, in Daumier's lithograph, we see two legal figures, identifiable by their robes and hats. One is dining, nonchalantly consuming oysters, while the other leans in, an expression of knowing amusement on his face. The oysters, in this context, become more than mere delicacies. They symbolize indulgence, luxury, and perhaps a certain moral laxity. We may recall the frequent use of food and feasts in art history to signify decadence, from ancient Roman banquets to Dutch still lifes laden with earthly delights. Yet, here, the oysters gain a sharper edge. They feed into the cynical exchange between the two men. It is as though the lawyer is devouring innocence itself. Note how the oyster-eater holds his utensils, mirroring the way the other lawyer holds the scroll. A connection between the two men is formed through these small details. Consider the psychological implications of this image: the subconscious anxieties around justice, corruption, and the abuse of power are on full display.