La plainte en adultère c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph, La plainte en adultère, as part of his series *Moeurs conjugales*, or marital customs. It offers a window into 19th-century French society, particularly its views on marriage and gender roles. Daumier was known for his satirical commentary on the bourgeoisie, and this piece is no exception. We see a courtroom scene, a husband accusing his wife of adultery. It's not just about infidelity; it's about public shaming, legal battles, and societal expectations of women, especially within marriage. The expressions on the faces of the accused, accuser, and judges speak volumes about the emotional toll and the power dynamics at play. Daumier masterfully uses caricature to emphasize the absurdity and hypocrisy he saw in these social rituals. Through the lithograph, Daumier critiques the legal and social structures that both confined and defined women's lives. The artist invites us to reflect on the emotional weight of these power structures and the personal stories caught within.