Saprelotte ... Complet! ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, titled "Saprelotte ... Complet! ...", as part of a series of satirical prints commenting on Parisian life during the 19th century. Daumier's work often reflects the social and political climate of France, marked by class tensions and rapid urbanization. Here, we see a bourgeois couple caught in a downpour, frantically hailing a carriage only to find it's already full. Daumier captures their frustration, underscoring the daily struggles of navigating a city increasingly divided along economic lines. The title’s exclamation, dripping with irony, encapsulates the feeling of helplessness against the backdrop of urban indifference. Daumier masterfully uses the mundane to reveal the unspoken anxieties of a society grappling with change. Daumier's prints weren't just about making people laugh; they were a mirror reflecting the complex layers of Parisian society. Through his art, we are invited to consider the shared human experiences that transcend time.