Ah! Monsieur Gobinet, dans quel temps ... c. 19th century

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier captures the anxieties of 19th-century Paris through the lens of religious and political paranoia. As part of his series, "Ces Bons Parisiens," Daumier critiques the bourgeoisie, highlighting their fears and prejudices during a time of significant social upheaval. Daumier cleverly uses satire to expose the absurdity of these fears. The text beneath the image reveals the source of the character's distress: rumors of religious wars reigniting and Protestants plotting to massacre Catholics in Paris. It reflects the deep-seated religious tensions and the ease with which fear could spread through society. Daumier captures the emotional state of a society grappling with rapid change, using paranoia to reveal underlying cultural anxieties. Daumier’s work serves as a reminder of how easily fear can be manipulated and spread, reflecting on how prejudice shapes individual and collective identities.