The Butcher c. 1860 - 1863

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier's "The Butcher," a somber piece. It certainly isn't easy on the eyes. What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious? Curator: I see Daumier using the butcher and the butchered animal as a stark commentary on power and exploitation. It invites questions about how societal structures allow some to dominate others, reducing living beings to mere commodities. Editor: Commodity? That's a strong word. Curator: Is it? Consider the historical context. Daumier lived through revolutions and social upheaval. The image, in its rawness, reflects the brutal realities of class struggle and the dehumanization inherent in capitalist systems. It's not just about meat; it's about who gets consumed and who does the consuming. Editor: I never considered it that way. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! There is power in visual analysis.