“- Yes, my dear Badoulard... I will open a department store even more philanthropic and greater than anything that existed up to now.... it will carry the complete set of articles at half price... someone can come in as naked as a new born baby and leave fully dressed, including cane, umbrella and cigarette lighter! - But then you will ruin all the small little shops in the neighborhood! - What do I care, as long as its all done in the name of humanity!, plate 27 from Les Philantropes Du Jour Possibly 1845

This lithograph, created by Honoré Daumier in 1845, is part of his satirical series "Les Philantropes Du Jour" which critiques the social injustices of the time. This particular image depicts a conversation between two men, one of whom is proposing a philanthropic department store that would offer goods at half price, effectively eliminating the need for small shops. The text beneath the scene reveals Daumier's commentary on the absurdity of such a proposition, highlighting how self-serving motives often masquerade as humanitarian efforts. The simple yet expressive drawing style, typical of Daumier, captures the characters and their dialogue with wit and precision.