Et dire que voila trois... prévenu que je n'ai pas pu faire condamner!... 1845

This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier, a French artist working in the 19th century who often used his art to comment on the society around him. Here, we see a formally dressed man and woman in what appears to be an affluent home; behind them hangs a portrait of a judge. Daumier was known for his satirical portrayals of the French bourgeoisie and legal system. This image, whose title translates to “And to think that there are three… I was warned that I could not condemn!” offers a glimpse into Daumier’s critique of justice and class privilege in France. The exaggerated features of the figures, combined with the pointed caption, suggest a commentary on the perceived corruption or ineffectiveness of the legal system. Understanding Daumier's work requires looking into the social and political context of 19th-century France. Contemporary newspapers, political pamphlets, and even courtroom sketches provide further insights into the artist's world and the public role of his art. We come to understand that art is always contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it is made.