"Yes ma'am, those creatures there all come from the botanical garden..." 1858

Curator: This Daumier lithograph, "Yes ma'am, those creatures there all come from the botanical garden...", depicts a scene rife with societal commentary. The expressions alone... Editor: It's interesting to consider that Daumier created this without color. What do you see in this piece in terms of its commentary? Curator: I see a pointed critique of class pretension intertwined with the then-popular fascination with acclimatization societies. Note the bourgeois couple's gawking at the "exotic" animals, likely goats. Daumier used satire to expose the absurdity of the elite's attempts to control nature and society. Does the caption inform your interpretation at all? Editor: Definitely. It suggests that the acclimatization is absurd, because it’s moving them into the Bois de Boulogne. I hadn't considered the link to class pretension. Curator: Exactly! Daumier challenges us to question the motives behind these displays of power and the very notion of who belongs where in society. A pertinent commentary for today as well. Editor: I agree. It's fascinating how historical context reshapes our understanding. Thanks for illuminating that for me.