Saisissement c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, titled "Saisissement," as part of his series Émotions Parisiennes, or Parisian Emotions. Daumier created this image amidst a rapidly changing urban landscape in mid-19th century Paris. The man in the print is caught, wedged between a cart with his face contorted in a scream. His body language is one of distress and urgency. The print captures a moment of vulnerability and the visceral experience of fear in an increasingly industrialized city. Daumier was known for his social commentary. He often depicted the lives of the working class and critiqued the bourgeoisie. Here, he captures the everyday dangers and anxieties of urban life. Daumier invites us to consider the human cost of progress and the emotional toll it takes on individuals navigating a world of hazards.