Toujours la heunesse-flourens c. 19th century

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, called "Toujours la jeunesse-flourens" from around the 19th century, strikes me as humorous, though a bit… cynical, perhaps? I am curious what to make of the contrast between the almost skeletal figure on the right and the plump figure on the left and the vague, young person to the left. What's your take on this, beyond its apparent caricature? Curator: Ah, Daumier! Always a sly commentator. Look closer; it is more than *just* caricature, it's a reflection of the times, a satirical jab at societal vanities and… clinging to youth! Notice the title? "Toujours la jeunesse," or "youth forever!" The two men seem desperate to be seen as youthful. One practically disappearing. I am curious, what *exactly* gives you the sense of cynicism? Editor: I think it’s the exaggeration and…the awkwardness of the composition. Like they are trying too hard, failing in a public spectacle, I am mostly interpreting based on the visible differences of these two older gentlemen. Curator: Precisely! It’s a public spectacle, indeed. And consider, who is their audience here? This young lady? She is more of a vanishing, ethereal sketch of a person, as opposed to a realistic one, right? Almost an idea more than a person. They're performing *at* her for the actual viewing public – like us looking at this artwork now, which makes it even more brilliant. We are just another spectacle in a very public world of looking. Editor: Wow. I never considered it in that light. Now I see layers of social critique that were hidden. I guess it also highlights Daumier’s brilliance as a social observer. Curator: Exactly! Art isn’t always what we think it is on its face value. You are very close to unlocking another mystery to explore about art!