La famille de l'électeur c. 19th century

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "La famille de l'électeur," dating back to the 19th century, presents what appears to be a rather awkward family visit. What do you read into the scene, considering the title, which translates to "The Elector's Family"? Curator: Well, aren't families just wonderfully awkward sometimes? I see a commentary dripping with satirical vinegar. Daumier, the sly fox, captures the aspirations and perhaps the desperation of a family seeking political favor. The stiff formality of their posture juxtaposed with the slightly disheveled appearance of the politician suggests a collision of worlds. It feels very 'quid pro quo' to me, even without a single word exchanged! What strikes you most about their individual expressions? Editor: I’m drawn to the politician’s almost wary expression. It’s as though he is thinking "Oh dear, not another favor to grant!" The artist really conveys this through body language too; he almost recoils as if to avoid the impending doom! Curator: Exactly! The genius of Daumier lies in making you *feel* the political climate. The image encapsulates an era where influence peddling and seeking patronage were as common as baguettes for breakfast. There’s a palpable tension, isn’t there? Makes you wonder what the "elector's family" hopes to gain. What do you take away from this piece now, knowing this context? Editor: Knowing it's a political commentary, I now see the stark contrast as really exaggerated; it adds to the humour but also underscores the somewhat seedy underbelly of the system. Curator: Ah, a masterpiece served with a side of truth and powdered satire.