Oui, Madame, je suis tout dévoué a notre... Prince... 1841

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Oui, Madame, je suis tout dévoué a notre... Prince...," offering us a glimpse into 19th-century French society. Daumier was known for his satirical commentary, and in this piece, he turns his critical eye towards the ruling class and their relationships with those seeking favor. Here, we see a man, presumably of lower social standing, bowing obsequiously before a seated woman. The exaggerated features and body language tell a story of power dynamics and social climbing. Daumier masterfully uses caricature to expose the hypocrisy and self-interest lurking beneath polite society. The print raises questions about the roles of men and women in this period. How did women navigate the social expectations and limitations placed upon them? What strategies did individuals employ to advance their positions within a rigid social hierarchy? "Yes, Madam, I am completely devoted to our...Prince..." highlights the complex interplay of gender, class, and political ambition in 19th-century France.