Allons donc... que diable cocher... 1843

This lithograph, created in 1843 by Honoré Daumier, depicts a carriage pulled by a horse with passengers oblivious to the chaos erupting in the background. The scene is filled with figures tumbling from the sky, suggesting a catastrophic event. The title, "Allons donc... que diable cocher...", translates to "Come on then... what the devil coachman...", hinting at the passengers' lack of awareness or perhaps their indifference to the unfolding disaster. Daumier was known for his satirical social commentary, and this work likely criticizes the apathy and ignorance of the upper class while highlighting the absurdity of their detachment from reality. The use of simple lines and shading contributes to the powerful message of this poignant social critique, a hallmark of Daumier's distinctive style.