In Imitation of Pantin 1869

Curator: Honoré Daumier, a French printmaker, painter, and sculptor, created this lithograph titled, "In Imitation of Pantin." Editor: It strikes me as a scene of ritual sacrifice—deeply unsettling, given the stark contrasts of light and shadow. Curator: The soldier figure evokes a primal, almost barbaric energy, yet the infant-like figure is suggestive of vulnerability and innocence—think about the long history of infanticide and how this draws from collective fears. Editor: And note how Daumier uses the lithographic crayon to create a blurry effect—particularly in the background—to heighten the drama and draw our attention to the foreground action. Curator: Yes, the artist uses satire to unearth deeply unsettling social realities. What’s your take on this piece? Editor: I feel that Daumier's masterful use of chiaroscuro accentuates the violence, a stark reminder of humanity's darker impulses.