Parisian Beginning to Regret Going to Hunt Lions in a Country Too Full of Prey 1858

Editor: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier is titled "Parisian Beginning to Regret Going to Hunt Lions in a Country Too Full of Prey." The title alone gives so much away! The man's expression is priceless – a mix of terror and utter disbelief. What's your take on Daumier's humor here? Curator: Ah, Daumier! A master of social commentary served with a side of wit. Notice the scale? The Parisian, so determined to be a grand hunter, is dwarfed by the lions. His face, that's pure comic gold – the moment realization dawns that perhaps, just perhaps, he's in over his head. Do you think Daumier is poking fun at Parisian arrogance? Editor: Absolutely! There’s such a contrast between the hunter’s initial bravado and his current predicament. The lions seem almost unimpressed. I never considered the social commentary aspect so clearly before. Curator: Daumier understood the human condition and his satire is timeless. It’s like he's whispering, "Pride goeth before a fall… especially when lions are involved." Editor: A very good point. Thank you so much for explaining!