L'ami d'un grand homme c. 19th century

"L'ami d'un grand homme" (The Friend of a Great Man), a lithograph by Honoré Daumier from c. 19th century, depicts a poignant scene of a man mourning at the bedside of a deceased individual. Daumier, known for his satirical caricatures, utilizes a stark, graphic style to highlight the contrast between the somberness of the moment and the seemingly indifferent presence of the friend. The text below the image underscores the irony of the situation, suggesting that the "friend" is less concerned with the deceased's genius than with the potential financial gain he could have reaped from his work. This artwork serves as a commentary on the superficiality of human relationships and the often-misguided pursuit of personal gain.