The Interior of a Family on January 2 - or the Danger of Consuming Immoderately Non-Hygienic Sweets, plate 62 from Actualités 1853

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "The Interior of a Family on January 2," was created as part of his "Actualités" series. Made in France, Daumier's work often satirized the bourgeoisie, and here he uses humor to critique the excesses of consumer culture. The scene depicts a family suffering from indigestion after consuming too many sweets, highlighting the dangers of unchecked indulgence, in a society where access to such goods was increasingly common. The portraits on the wall suggest aspirations to a higher class, aspirations that are undermined by their gluttony. Daumier's work appeared in popular journals like "Le Charivari," making art a form of social commentary available to a wide audience. To truly understand Daumier's critiques, one might delve into publications from the period, exploring debates around hygiene, class, and consumerism. Art is always embedded in specific social and institutional contexts.