Twee verkopers van het tijdschrift 'L'Époque' 1845

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, "Two Vendors of the Magazine 'L'Époque'," capturing a slice of 19th-century Parisian life. Here, the vendors, with their stacks of newspapers, embody the burgeoning world of mass media. The newspaper itself is a potent symbol. It is reminiscent of the "winged herald" in ancient Greek art, like Hermes, messenger of the gods. It is carrying news, like Hermes carried messages, and connecting people across distances. This act of disseminating information, though seemingly mundane, carries echoes of enlightenment ideals, resonating with humanity's perennial quest for knowledge and understanding. Over time, mass media has evolved into a powerful force, shaping public opinion and influencing political landscapes. Think of the printing press, or the internet today. Ultimately, Daumier's image encapsulates the cyclical progression of information, and how symbols are forever repurposed and reinterpreted through the lens of time.