A Guest at a Dinner of Horsemeat Eaters 1865

Curator: This intriguing lithograph is titled "A Guest at a Dinner of Horsemeat Eaters," created by Honoré Daumier. Editor: Well, that's certainly a direct title! The guest on the left looks absolutely horrified. The harsh lines and stark contrast give it a sense of grotesque unease. Curator: Indeed. Daumier, born in 1808, often used his art to satirize Parisian society. This work likely comments on the economic hardships that led people to consume horse meat. Editor: It's such a powerful image. The horse's head on the platter – it's both fascinating and deeply disturbing. You can almost feel the guest's stomach churning. Curator: Daumier adeptly uses caricature to highlight social issues, making this more than just a dinner scene; it's a commentary on desperation and societal norms. Editor: It really lingers, doesn't it? A simple yet stark reminder of how art can reflect uncomfortable truths.