Wedded Bliss: A Routine Scene on the 1st of Each New Year... 1852

Curator: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier is entitled "Wedded Bliss: A Routine Scene on the 1st of Each New Year..." Editor: It strikes me as a rather satirical take on marital affection, wouldn't you say? The exaggerated expressions... Curator: Daumier often used caricature to critique the bourgeoisie. Consider the loaded title, hinting at the societal expectation of marital bliss versus the possible reality of strained intimacy, particularly in the context of 19th-century Parisian social dynamics. Editor: Exactly. It seems to question the performative aspects of love, especially as dictated by social norms around gift-giving on New Year's Day. Is this embrace genuine, or just an act? Curator: And it raises questions about gender roles. Her embrace seems almost… obligatory. The lithographic medium allows for a democratization of this critique, spreading it amongst the populace. Editor: A sharp commentary, made accessible. It makes you wonder about the lived experiences of women in those times, and the pressures they faced within marriage. Curator: Indeed, Daumier's work serves as a powerful historical document, prompting us to reflect on the continuities and changes in societal expectations around love and marriage. Editor: It’s fascinating how a seemingly simple image can unlock such complex reflections on social and personal politics.