"We look exactly like Daddy...little angel!" 1847

Curator: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "We look exactly like Daddy...little angel!", from his "Les Papas" series. Editor: The stark contrast of light and shadow gives it a rather satirical mood, wouldn't you agree? It's almost grotesque. Curator: Indeed. Note how Daumier uses line to exaggerate the father's features, underscoring the societal pressures on men to reproduce and project their image. Editor: Yes, and how the mother lurks almost hidden in the background. It speaks volumes about the restricted roles of women in that era. The title itself is ironic, pointing to the father's self-obsession. Curator: An astute observation. The composition reinforces these themes of patriarchy and gendered power dynamics. Editor: It certainly provides a critical lens through which to view familial relationships in 19th century France. Curator: A great example of how a lithograph can embody so much social commentary through a simple yet calculated composition.