Robert Macaire, Doctor c. 19th century

Curator: This is Honoré Daumier’s "Robert Macaire, Doctor," part of his satirical series lampooning French society. It's at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's deceptively simple in its lines, but the mood is so cutting – you can practically hear the patient groaning. Curator: Daumier was a master of symbolism, wasn't he? Note the figure of death looming behind the consultation. The imagery conveys a damning indictment of unqualified medical practitioners. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the lithographic process, how it enabled Daumier to mass-produce these images, circulating them widely and engaging a broad public in social critique. It’s about accessibility of craft meeting societal critique. Curator: It’s a powerful commentary on the era’s ethical landscape. Editor: Indeed, the satire persists even today. It gives you a lot to think about.