Study for "La Parade" c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Study for 'La Parade'," and it's at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a charcoal drawing, and I'm struck by its theatrical but also somewhat unsettling mood. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Daumier often used his art to critique social structures. Consider the figures – the barker, the performers, the audience. How might this scene reflect the artist's commentary on class and exploitation in 19th-century France? Is the audience being presented a genuine spectacle, or are they themselves part of a performance? Editor: So, it's not just a street scene, but Daumier's way of commenting on society. I hadn't considered that the audience might be part of the show, too. Curator: Exactly. By examining Daumier's work through a lens of social critique, we can unpack powerful messages about power, performance, and perception. Editor: That's given me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed. Art can provide a unique perspective for considering complex social issues.