"What!... it's with your feet that you are going to press the grapes?..." 1858

Curator: This is an interesting lithograph by Honoré Daumier, entitled "What!... it's with your feet that you are going to press the grapes?...". Editor: It certainly is… The immediate impression is one of striking contrast – the refined woman in her elaborate dress, juxtaposed with the rugged, barefoot man. Curator: Daumier often used his art to critique the bourgeoisie and the working class, often targeting social hypocrisy. The direct quote in the print adds a wonderful layer of class commentary, as well. Editor: Absolutely. The act of pressing grapes with feet is ancient, almost pagan. The barefoot man becomes a symbol of tradition, while the woman embodies modernity and perhaps ignorance of older ways. Curator: Daumier's masterful use of caricature underscores the social commentary, further highlighting the disparities of the era. The visual tension definitely invites reflection on the complex dynamics of labor and status. Editor: Indeed. The image resonates with a deeper understanding of cycles – the cycle of seasons, labor, and social structures. The visual language connects to those fundamental, recurring themes. Curator: It truly is a piece that sparks conversation about the intersection of labor, class, and tradition in a rapidly changing society. Editor: Yes, and Daumier's artwork connects us to the eternal dance of human interaction, its inherent tensions and beauty.