Paris grippé c. 19th century

Editor: This lithograph, "Paris grippé," by Honoré Daumier, probably from the 19th century, depicts a street scene filled with bundled-up figures. Everyone looks so miserable! What strikes you most about this work? Curator: For me, this image is a powerful commentary on social stratification and public health in 19th-century Paris. Daumier uses caricature to critique the indifference of the bourgeoisie to the suffering of the working class during an epidemic. Notice the contrast in attire: some are well-covered, while others are nearly barefoot, highlighting the unequal distribution of resources. Editor: So you’re saying it's not just about a cold going around? Curator: Not at all. "Grippé" – meaning "in the grip of the flu," becomes a metaphor for the city being gripped by social inequality. Think about who is most vulnerable during health crises, even today. Who has access to care, to protection? Daumier’s realism serves as social critique. What about the expressions on their faces? Editor: They look uniformly distressed and, honestly, rather dehumanized. Like cogs in a machine grinding to a halt. I guess I hadn't really considered the class implications so directly, but now I see how Daumier uses illness as a lens. Curator: Exactly! He uses illness as a magnifying glass. He encourages us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and who bears the brunt of societal failings. By looking at this image, we see how even something like an epidemic disproportionately impacts certain groups. Editor: That definitely gives me a new appreciation for Daumier's intent. It’s not just a funny cartoon; it’s a poignant social statement. Curator: Indeed. And by understanding the social context, the humor becomes even more biting, right? It becomes a powerful tool for social change.