Le mère de la débutante c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, entitled "Le mère de la débutante", as one of his satirical "Croquis Dramatiques" in 19th century France. The print’s critical edge comes from its sharp depiction of the social theater surrounding operatic performance. We see not just the young performer, but also the mother, praying with fervent excitement, as bouquets are thrown onto the stage. Daumier hints at the artificiality of this enthusiasm. The caption tells us that in her joy, the mother forgets that it was she herself who bought the flowers. Daumier worked as a caricaturist for the satirical magazine Le Charivari, and his art often poked fun at the bourgeoisie and its cultural institutions. To understand Daumier, we must look to sources from popular culture and social history, like newspapers, theater programs, and fashion plates, which show us the values and rituals of the French middle class. These sources provide a context, allowing us to see Daumier's work as a critical commentary on the social rituals of his time.