La femme du représentant c. 19th century

Here, we see Honoré Daumier’s lithograph, “La femme du représentant.” Daumier created a prolific body of work during a tumultuous period in French history, marked by social and political upheaval. His art often captured the essence of everyday life, imbued with social commentary and satire. In this image, Daumier presents a narrative that speaks volumes about gender, power, and societal expectations. We see a woman, head bowed, humbly asking for a hat and being met with a condescending response by her husband about his status. How many women are forced to demean themselves to be able to meet their basic needs? Daumier challenges traditional representations of women, portraying them not as idealized figures, but as individuals navigating complex social structures. Through his art, Daumier invites us to reflect on our own positions within society. In his words, “It is not enough to know how to draw, one must also know man.”