Mon bon ami, faites-moi le plaisir de signer ... c. 19th century

This satirical lithograph, “Mon bon ami, faites-moi le plaisir de signer cette pétition contre l’instruction obligatoire”, by Honoré Daumier, is a biting commentary on the social climate of 19th century France. Daumier, known for his social commentary, critiques the hypocrisy of those supporting mandatory education, as seen in the image of a man being pressured to sign a petition for a cause he likely doesn’t understand, due to his illiteracy. The satirical caption and Daumier’s signature style of caricature add to the humorous critique of the social norms of the era.