Society Comedians 1858

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Society Comedians," a lithograph. The frantic energy of the scene is compelling! What does the material and production of this print tell us about its purpose? Curator: Notice the cheapness of the lithograph and its reproducibility. Daumier's choice isn't about high art; it's about mass consumption. The biting satire is intended for wide distribution. Editor: So, it’s less about the artistic skill and more about the social commentary? Curator: Precisely. Daumier critiques the bourgeoisie through the lens of their own consumer habits. It's a mass-produced critique of mass society. Editor: That’s fascinating! It really shifts my perspective on the work.