M. Prudhomme: "I never get into a car where there's only a single passenger." 1864

Curator: Daumier's lithograph, titled "M. Prudhomme: 'I never get into a car where there's only a single passenger,'" presents a comical clash of societal norms and personal anxieties. Look at the dense hatching creating shadows, emphasizing the materiality of the print itself. Editor: It's a brilliant snapshot of social awkwardness, isn’t it? The tension is palpable! The man's statement reveals anxieties about class, gender, and public versus private space on the train. Curator: Precisely. We see the means of production - lithography, as a vital tool for distributing social commentary. The labor involved in creating these prints allowed Daumier to reach a broad audience. Editor: It highlights anxieties surrounding the rise of public transportation and changing social dynamics. Who is deemed safe, and who is perceived as a threat in this new, shared space? Curator: We see a negotiation of space and safety. This print demonstrates how daily materials and tools such as lithographs are used to mirror contemporary culture. Editor: It really makes you think about the power dynamics inherent in everyday interactions, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed; it is a powerful reflection of social anxieties captured through lithographic production. Editor: A potent reminder that art and politics are always intertwined.