La rentrée c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph called "La rentrée" or "The Re-entry" that provides a fascinating insight into 19th-century French society. Daumier uses caricature to address the social and political climate of his time. On the right, we see a grand figure, perhaps representing Europe, adorned with what looks like a pot on her head, labeled "Pensionnat International Europe," hinting at a boarding school. To the left, a group of figures scurry towards her, with expressions that seem both comical and desperate. Daumier was known for his satirical commentary on the bourgeoisie and political figures, often challenging the status quo through his art. His work was published in newspapers, making it accessible to a wide audience and sparking public discourse. To truly understand Daumier’s commentary here, we need to delve into the historical context, examining the educational institutions of the time, the social classes they served, and the political events that shaped public opinion. We can research primary sources like newspapers and political pamphlets, to better understand the social, cultural and institutional contexts of Daumier’s time.