Il demande tous les jours la parole ... c. 19th century

This print, by Honoré Daumier, satirizes the French parliamentary process through caricature. Daumier was a master of social critique during a time of great political upheaval in France. The print likely dates to the mid-19th century, a period marked by revolutions and the rise of bourgeois society. Note the title, 'Physiognomy of the Assembly', connecting to the popular pseudoscientific belief that one could judge character from physical appearance. Daumier exaggerates the features of politicians, turning them into grotesque figures, to comment on their vanity and ineffectiveness. The caption translates to: "He asks for the floor every day, but when it is granted he never uses it." The cartoon reflects a deep skepticism toward political institutions. Daumier was often censored for his outspoken views, highlighting the tense relationship between art, politics, and power. To understand Daumier's work, it is important to delve into the history of French political satire and the rise of the illustrated press, resources which help us to understand the social function of his art.