Mon cher que voulez-vous... 1845

This lithograph is by Honoré Daumier, part of his series "Les Gens de Justice," focusing on legal figures and their dealings. The eye is immediately drawn to the stark contrast between the dark, heavy robes of the lawyer and the relatively lighter attire of the other two figures. Daumier uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the fabrics. The composition is tightly arranged, with the three figures closely packed together, which intensifies the psychological tension of the scene. It suggests a critique of power structures within the legal system. The dark tones associated with the lawyer might symbolize corruption or the oppressive nature of the law. The image serves as a potent commentary on justice, or the lack thereof, through the formal arrangement of figures and the expressive use of light and shadow.