Mr. Royer-Col c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier’s "Mr. Royer-Col," a lithograph from the 19th century. The exaggerated features create a rather comical, yet unsettling effect. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The diminutive suit acts as a powerful symbol of the subject's ego, inflated beyond his actual achievements. Daumier often used clothing to signify societal roles and pretensions. Does it remind you of any similar depictions in popular culture today? Editor: I suppose you could say it's like political cartooning? Curator: Precisely. The small suit mocks the self-importance of political figures, a theme that continues to resonate. Understanding this symbolism allows us to unpack the cultural anxieties Daumier was addressing. Editor: I see! So, it's more than just a funny picture. Curator: Indeed. It's a timeless commentary on power and perception.