"To think that we're going to be Parisians!..." 1860

Curator:Daumier's lithograph, "To think that we're going to be Parisians!..." presents a critical view of urbanization and class. Editor:It’s striking how Daumier contrasts the rural couple with the distant Parisian skyline. What social commentary is Daumier making here? Curator:He is critiquing the romanticized idea of Parisian life versus the reality of displacement. Notice how the couple embodies rural poverty, juxtaposed against the promise of urban progress. How does this image make you feel about social mobility? Editor:It feels like a broken promise, honestly. They appear out of place and almost dread the move. Curator:Exactly! Daumier challenges the narrative of progress by highlighting the human cost of urbanization and the false promises of assimilation. Editor:I see it now, the piece really pushes you to question the notion of upward mobility. Curator:Indeed, it underscores the importance of scrutinizing the social structures that perpetuate inequality and marginalize certain communities.