"Hey, old lady Godichet, it's not surprising..." c. 19th century

Curator: This print by Honoré Daumier, titled "Hey, old lady Godichet, it's not surprising..." presents two older women engrossed in conversation. The simplicity of the materials makes it feel very immediate, very raw. Editor: It’s stark, isn't it? The lines are so sharp, highlighting their aged faces and worn clothing. It speaks to a hardscrabble life. Curator: Daumier was a master of lithography, a process that allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. Prints like this could reach a wide audience. Editor: And the inscription at the bottom offers a biting commentary on class and communication. The news of a captain's recklessness explains the lack of letters from a son at sea. Curator: The print becomes a powerful critique of social structures and the value—or lack thereof—placed on the working class. Editor: Absolutely, and the materiality of the print itself, its mass production, underscores the commodification of news and suffering. Curator: It gives us a glimpse into the daily realities and anxieties of 19th-century France. Editor: Yes, Daumier's print gives voice to the anxieties of a society undergoing rapid change.