Comme tu y vas... 1841

This lithograph entitled "Comme tu y vas..." is by Honoré Daumier. Notice the stark contrast between the two figures. The one on the left is drawn with soft, almost dismissive strokes, his posture slumped and face hidden. In contrast, the figure on the right is defined by sharp, assertive lines. His upward gaze and the theatrical gesture of clutching his throat create a dynamic tension. Daumier uses line and form to delineate social satire. The composition’s structure, with its stark contrast in character depiction, speaks to Daumier's keen observation of societal tensions. The lithographic medium allows for a rich interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters. Through this close attention to formal elements, Daumier critiques the values of his time, inviting viewers to question established social orders and the complexities of human behavior.