Pickhardt Vol. VII: Charivari Lithographs by Daumier 1856

Editor: Daumier’s lithograph, from his Pickhardt series, features a couple feasting on grapes while a laborer looks on. The scene feels overtly satirical, but I'm curious, what symbols or deeper meanings do you find at play here? Curator: Note the contrast between the bourgeois couple and the field worker. Daumier frequently used clothing as a marker of class. Consider also the grapes themselves; historically, they're a symbol of wealth, fertility, and even intoxication. What story might Daumier be telling here about societal inequalities? Editor: It seems to reveal a critique of class and entitlement. Curator: Precisely, and notice that the title translates to "Since there's no guard here, let's feast!" It speaks volumes about the perceived impunity of the wealthy at the expense of the working class. Editor: It's fascinating how he layers social commentary within such a seemingly simple scene. Curator: Indeed, Daumier uses imagery to create a powerful narrative of societal imbalance, echoing through time.