Merope. “A soldier of my stature is quite able to run the state once defended with so much fun,” plate 2 from Physionomies Tragiques (recto); Provost. (dans le Puff - Thtre Français) "Le Puff, est l'art de semer et de faire èclore á son profit la chose qui n'est pas" (verso) c. 1851

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Merope", in France. Though undated, it’s likely from the 1830s or 40s, a period of intense social and political upheaval. Daumier masterfully uses caricature to critique power. Here, the puffed-up soldier embodies the vainglorious rhetoric of the ruling class, promising stability while grasping for more control. The stark contrast with the gaunt figure beside him speaks volumes about the human cost of such ambition. France at this time was deeply divided between those clinging to the old order and those yearning for a more just society. Daumier's work often appeared in satirical journals, and his art became a weapon against corruption. He questioned the institutions that upheld inequality, including the art world itself. Understanding Daumier requires delving into the archives of the French press and political history of the time. Only then can we fully appreciate the power of his images to challenge the status quo.