Deux avocats; la poignée de main 1818 - 1879

Editor: Here we have Honoré Daumier’s “Two Lawyers Shaking Hands,” a lithograph or charcoal drawing from sometime between 1848 and 1879. I find the imagery quite biting, almost satirical in how it depicts this ritualistic handshake. What's your reading of this piece, particularly within its historical context? Curator: It’s fascinating how Daumier uses caricature here, isn't it? His depiction of these lawyers, emphasizing their aged features and almost predatory smiles, speaks volumes about the public perception of the legal profession during the 19th century in France. Consider the rise of the bourgeoisie, the complex legal battles over property rights and social standing - how does this image play into those tensions, do you think? Editor: I suppose it suggests a cynicism toward the legal system, that it's perhaps more about self-serving interests than justice. The handshake itself seems like a transaction, not a gesture of goodwill. Is that cynicism a common theme in Daumier's other work? Curator: Precisely. Daumier was a master of social commentary. His lithographs frequently appeared in satirical publications, critiquing the political and social landscape. Think about the role of prints and illustrations in shaping public opinion during this time – they were a powerful form of mass communication. How might this image, circulated widely, have impacted the way people viewed lawyers and the justice system? Editor: That’s a great point, it takes art away from the elite and puts it into a public sphere of debate. So the artwork’s power lies in its accessibility, not just its artistic skill, and really engages in political commentary. Curator: Exactly. Daumier used art as a tool for social commentary, engaging with the pressing issues of his time. Editor: Thank you! I had never considered lithographs through this lens. It's clear this piece isn't just a funny drawing but a powerful statement on society and justice. Curator: And hopefully, it helps us reflect on the role of art, not just as a historical record, but as a driver of cultural change.