O douleur!... avoir rêvé... un époux... 1844

Honoré Daumier created the lithograph, "O douleur!... avoir rêvé... un époux...," capturing a poignant moment of reflection. Daumier lived through a period of immense social change in 19th-century France. Here, he presents us with a narrative tableau, a woman is seen gazing wistfully upwards, while a man fishes, seemingly indifferent to her reverie. There's a sharp contrast in the emotional and social positioning of the figures. Her classical attire and dramatic pose suggest a world of romantic ideals, while his mundane activity roots him firmly in the everyday. The title suggests a lament for a lost dream of marriage. Daumier subtly critiques the limited roles and expectations imposed on women of the time. This artwork offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation of dreams, desires, and societal constraints. It's an intimate portrayal of disappointment, inviting us to reflect on the personal cost of social expectations.