"Hey, my friend, here's M. Chapoulard, I'm sure he shares my opinion..." 1853

Curator: This is a lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "Hey, my friend, here's M. Chapoulard, I'm sure he shares my opinion..." It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The figures are striking; their exaggerated features and postures convey a distinct sense of satire and social commentary, like puppets in a play. Curator: Indeed, Daumier was a master of caricature. He used lithography to comment on the bourgeoisie in 19th-century France, highlighting their vanity and societal roles. Editor: The text below the image suggests a commentary on superficiality and the changing seasons, reflecting Daumier's keen eye for social dynamics and class distinctions. Curator: Precisely. The work’s composition, with its sharp lines and tonal contrasts, serves to emphasize the characters' expressions and the overall satirical tone. Editor: Reflecting on this piece, I find myself thinking about the power of visual art to capture and critique societal norms, as Daumier so skillfully accomplished.