On nous avait dit de venir dans ce pays ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, "On nous avait dit de venir dans ce pays…," showing two figures in a desolate landscape. The bundled firewood they carry over their shoulders is a symbol of their labor. The motif of wood-carrying figures appears across cultures. We might recall images of Atlas bearing the weight of the world or even Christ carrying the cross on his back. This burden is not just physical but also symbolic of hardship and survival, and the psychological and emotional weight tied to it. The figures’ slumped postures and weary expressions mirror the desolation around them. Over time, the meaning of carrying wood evolves. Once a testament to human resilience, it transforms into a signifier of exploitation and social critique. Daumier's lithograph embodies this non-linear progression, reflecting society’s evolving perceptions and the enduring human struggle for survival.