"Does an animal have to be so stupid, to frighten one that way!" 1854

Curator: Oh, the sheer fright! Daumier’s lithograph, "Does an animal have to be so stupid, to frighten one that way!", captures a moment of pure, almost comical terror. Editor: It's interesting how Daumier critiques the supposed bravery of hunters, doesn't it? The humor derives from the subversion of power dynamics—the hunter becoming the hunted, exposing vulnerabilities within traditionally masculine roles. Curator: Absolutely, the stark contrast between the hunter's expected composure and his flailing limbs is hilarious. But it also makes you wonder, who are we really hunting? Editor: Well, hunting as a sport often reflects broader socio-political power structures. Daumier's work invites us to question the ethics of domination, whether over animals or marginalized communities. Curator: Mmm, the satire bites, doesn't it? Maybe Daumier wants us to see the fear in the eyes of the "powerful," a mirror reflecting our own anxieties. Editor: Precisely, it’s a potent commentary on power, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves about who gets to be afraid. Curator: Yes, a delightful reminder that sometimes the scariest thing is realizing we're not so different from the "beasts" we fear.