Pardon mon cher... 1869

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph entitled ‘Pardon mon cher….’, which translates to ‘Excuse me, my dear…’, as part of a series called ‘Actualités’. It was created during a tumultuous time in 19th century France. The image depicts an allegorical figure of Liberty pushing back against a grotesque figure representing gunpowder. Daumier uses visual codes: the figure of Liberty is depicted in classical robes, while gunpowder is shown as monstrous. This piece reveals the complex relationship between political ideals and the realities of power, particularly during periods of social upheaval. France was undergoing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political change. The struggle for liberty was often at odds with the forces of order and control. To truly understand this piece, research into the history of French political caricature, the rise of mass media, and the role of art institutions is essential. Understanding the social and political context is critical to the interpretation of art.