A qui penses-tu donc, coquenard? ... c. 19th century

This lithograph was made in 19th-century France by Honoré Daumier. In it, we see two men of different statures walking alongside one another outdoors. One is stout and wears a top hat, while the other is leaner and wears a cap. Daumier was a master of social critique, and his work frequently appeared in satirical magazines like "Le Charivari." This print, with its ironic title "Tout ce qu'on Voudra" or "Whatever You Want," likely comments on the social mores and anxieties of the time. The text at the bottom reveals the image relates to marital infidelity. The image is thus suggestive of the artist's social critique of bourgeois relationships. To truly understand Daumier's art, we need to dig into the history of French society, politics, and the popular press. Art historians consult publications from the period to gain a better understanding of the ever-changing cultural landscape. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.