"What time is it, please?" c. 19th century

Curator: This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier, a master of social satire in 19th-century France. It is titled "What time is it, please?" Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the darkness, the inky blacks and grays. It feels like a clandestine encounter in a shadowy alleyway. Curator: Daumier was known for his sharp observations of Parisian life, often targeting the bourgeoisie. This image likely plays on the anxieties and encounters of city life. Editor: Absolutely. The contrast between the finely dressed figures and the gritty setting creates a tension, almost a sense of unease. Is it just a simple question, or something more? Curator: Daumier used caricature to reveal deeper truths about society. It is up to the viewer to consider who benefits from this encounter. Editor: Yes, I see it. Each encounter is a silent negotiation of class, status, and vulnerability. It is a tiny, revealing play.