Absinthe: The First Glass...The Sixth Glass 1863

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Absinthe: The First Glass...The Sixth Glass." It feels like a commentary on addiction, but I’m not sure what to make of it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The progression, from pouring the first glass to the slumped posture of the man who has already consumed six, speaks volumes about the allure and danger of absinthe. What symbols resonate with you? Editor: The title is quite literal. And the way the first man is actively engaging, while the second is withdrawn. I wonder about the social context of absinthe consumption at the time. Curator: Precisely. Absinthe became a symbol of both bohemian life and social decay. This piece makes a statement about escapism and its consequences. It is interesting how Daumier used these symbols to speak to that time. Editor: I see it now. The image becomes more than just a depiction of drinking; it's a mirror reflecting societal anxieties. Curator: Indeed. The visual language and its emotional weight remain powerful today.