"They caught you red-handed stealing a gentleman's watch." 1843

Curator: This lithograph by Honoré Daumier is titled "They caught you red-handed stealing a gentleman's watch." The composition strikes me immediately—stark contrasts in light and shadow create a palpable sense of tension. Editor: Indeed. Look at the pointed angularity of the figures, particularly the accused. It's as if Daumier is highlighting the moral corruption of the era. This work really speaks to social issues prevalent at the time. Curator: Notice also the limited palette of blacks, grays, and whites. The cross-hatching and delicate lines lend the scene a gritty realism—a perfect vehicle for Daumier's critical commentary. Editor: Absolutely, and remember Daumier was a master of social satire. His lithographs were often biting critiques of the bourgeoisie and the legal system, distributed widely through popular publications. The placement of the accuser in the shadows really makes the viewer question their morality and social standing as well. Curator: The formal choices—the linear precision and tonal variation—underscore the emotional weight of the accusation. The piece offers a stark lesson in morality by contrasting light and dark. Editor: A profound statement about justice and class, still resonating today.