Henri!... vous me jugez bien mal!... 1838

Editor: So, this is Honoré Daumier’s lithograph, “Henri!... vous me jugez bien mal!...” from 1838. I find the sketch style both charming and a little unnerving – their faces are so… expressive. What captures your attention most in this work? Curator: Ah, Daumier. He was the king of capturing social awkwardness with a line. For me, it's the contrast. The woman's touch seems almost predatory, while Henri looks utterly cornered, doesn't he? Notice how Daumier uses the shading – dense and chaotic around Henri, lighter and more defined around the woman. It’s as if her reality is sharper, clearer, than his…murky discomfort. Don’t you think it speaks volumes about their power dynamic? Editor: Absolutely. It's like she's pulling him into her world. I didn't consider the shading as highlighting their power dynamic. Is that why he titled it with that defensive statement? "Henri!... you judge me badly!" Curator: Exactly! It's Henri's plea, a pathetic attempt to regain control of the narrative. But Daumier leaves us wondering, doesn't he? Is she truly misjudged, or is Henri just blind to her game? Editor: It does leave you questioning! It’s not just a simple drawing; it’s a whole story packed into a few lines. So interesting how much Daumier communicates with so little! Curator: Indeed. It makes you think about the stories we tell ourselves, and how easily they can be undermined by a single, telling glance. These poignant character sketches really do hit home. Editor: This was really helpful, I think I have a whole new view on Daumier. I should definitely think more about context when analyzing the works, thank you. Curator: My pleasure. It's these glimpses into human folly that make art endlessly fascinating, don't you think? It's almost a perfect look in to another human being's internal world.