L'Inconvénient d'être dans un wagon... 1852

Honoré Daumier's lithograph captures the discomfort of travel with a carriage full of figures whose contorted faces speak volumes. The expressions of claustrophobia, disgust, and rage that we see are hardly unique to 19th century France; they tap into the universal experience of being trapped in proximity with others. Consider the raised arm and pointed finger of the man at the top of the image. This gesture—a sign of accusation, blame, and judgment—can be traced back through countless historical depictions, perhaps most notably in scenes of the Last Judgement. In those depictions, however, such a gesture is a harbinger of damnation; here, it is simply a mark of annoyance. Such gestures connect us to primal, shared experiences. The unease we feel looking at this image is not merely a reflection of its specific historical context but is rooted in deep-seated anxieties about social interaction, hygiene, and personal space. It reminds us that some human experiences transcend time.