Pourvu que l'aiguilleur ne fasse rien dérailler! c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Pourvu que l'aiguilleur ne fasse rien dérailler!," from around the 19th century. The overwhelming feeling I get is one of political uncertainty. What’s your take? Curator: It’s a biting commentary on 19th-century French politics, typical of Daumier. Consider the setting: a railway switchman stands at a critical junction, tasked with directing the train. The signs – “Extreme Right,” “Right Center,” “Left Center” – clearly symbolize the fractured political landscape of the time. Editor: So, the railway represents the path of the nation? And the switchman, political power? Curator: Precisely. It suggests that the person in charge—political power—holds significant responsibility. Daumier highlights this with the engraving title – can you make out its translation? Editor: I think it's something like "Let's hope the switchman causes no derailments!". The looming train definitely emphasizes that concern, and also the constant danger of this political "journey." Curator: It encapsulates the anxiety about the political direction of France, and reflects anxieties in the rapidly changing socio-political climate where the wrong decision could have catastrophic consequences. What statement do you think Daumier is trying to make about political figures? Editor: I guess he suggests how critical it is that people in powerful positions take responsiblity of their decisions and actions, considering the public role that political and social imagery has! It’s interesting to think how relevant the message still is. Curator: Daumier cleverly uses caricature to expose the fragility of political systems and its decision-making structures. Understanding this imagery allows us to recontextualize the past with contemporary perspectives. Editor: I see the nuances much clearer now. Thanks!