A Lady Comes on Board 1843

Curator: This is "A Lady Comes on Board" by Honoré Daumier, the great 19th-century French printmaker, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The precariousness of the situation, the off-kilter angle—it all makes me a little seasick just looking at it! The artist, Daumier, captured an amusing scene. Curator: He certainly did. Daumier was a master of social satire, and this print, like many others, pokes fun at the pretensions of Parisian society. The boaters here seem a bit…unsteady. Editor: Yes, they look like a bunch of landlubbers more than seasoned sailors! The exaggerated gestures—the man helping the lady aboard—it’s almost theatrical, as if they’re all playing a part. Curator: Precisely. Daumier uses lithography to brilliant effect, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The title itself, "Embarkation of a Lady," adds to the humor, suggesting a grand event where there is none. Editor: It's a great reminder that sometimes, the most comedic moments are found in the everyday struggles we all face. I think Daumier succeeds in reminding us of this.