Vois-tu, c'est l'éclipse qui commence ... c. 19th century

Curator: This is Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Vois-tu, c'est l'éclipse qui commence..." from around the 19th century. It's striking how he captured the figures and cityscape with just a pen and lithographic stone. Editor: I see it! The title translates to, "See, the eclipse is starting." The two men looking upwards give it a comedic feel. It's interesting to see what appears to be commentary through this drawing of urban life, especially with that phrase, "Tout ce qu'on voudra" (whatever you want) at the top of the drawing. What else stands out to you? Curator: Given that it's a lithograph, the mass production aspect is essential. The work isn't just about high art. Daumier is using readily available materials to communicate something about French society. How does the cityscape relate to the men themselves? Editor: It looks like the building are stacked up high, like an endless cityscape. Their fashion isn't high-brow or low-brow...they're very similar in status, wearing the same pantsuit and cap. Is this about class structure? Curator: Exactly. It's a satire of Parisian life, enabled by this easily reproduced print. Notice the division between the two men and their surroundings versus how unified their style and fashion are? The men appear grounded, but almost stuck at the same time due to their uniformity. Editor: So it's not necessarily just a jab at people looking for an eclipse, but rather a commentary on the constricting nature of 19th-century society and perhaps its lack of vertical mobility, and social roles through something as accessible as a print. Curator: Precisely. Daumier’s clever use of readily available material makes social commentary highly accessible to the masses through his deliberate artistic process. Editor: I had not thought about lithography in that context before. That helps me see the political message. Thanks for sharing your insights!