Mac-Adam [sic] et Bineau aux enfers. Par suite d'une punition terrible, mais méritée, ils sont condamnés à repaver les Champs Elysées. 13 - 1850

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled "Mac-Adam et Bineau aux enfers" which translates to "Mac-Adam and Bineau in Hell," depicting a scene of eternal punishment. Daumier was working during a period of significant political and social change in France. In this satirical piece, Daumier critiques figures of authority through the lens of morality and justice. The caricatured figures, presumably public officials named Mac-Adam and Bineau, are condemned to repave the Champs-Élysées, a task presented as a torturous and never-ending labor. The setting in hell with a mythological figure overseeing their punishment, emphasizes the severity of their wrongdoings in the eyes of the artist. Daumier uses the visual language of caricature to amplify the emotional impact of the scene. The exaggerated features and expressions of the figures evoke feelings of pity but also highlight the consequences of their actions, holding them accountable within a moral framework. Daumier’s commentary highlights the intersection of power, corruption, and public accountability, inviting viewers to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of authority.