Les Bains a vingt centimes, nouveau style 1842

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph of “Les Bains a vingt centimes, nouveau style” to comment on the social issues in 19th century France. During this era, there was a stark divide between the wealthy and the working class which is captured in this piece, highlighting class differences in leisure and hygiene. Daumier uses caricature to emphasize the discomfort and lack of privacy experienced by those who could only afford the cheapest public baths. The men are stripped bare—literally and metaphorically—revealing their vulnerability. The awkward postures and ungainly bodies expose a raw and unidealized view of working-class men, challenging the romanticized portrayals of the male form prevalent in academic art. The inscription translates to, "Is the water good?--Naughty boy, if it was good, we wouldn't be given so much for so little.” Daumier’s artwork serves as a social commentary, critiquing the inadequate facilities available to the poor, and revealing the disparities in access to basic amenities, like a clean bath.