Husband: “My dear, how about a first kiss on my chin?” The wife (aside): “To think that I am married to this face!,” plate 21 from Moeurs Conjugalesa c. 1840

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier is part of a series that offers satirical commentary on marriage during 19th-century France. Here, Daumier uses his sharp wit to explore the dynamics of domestic life and the disillusionment that can set in after marriage. The print depicts a husband leaning in expectantly for a kiss, while his wife recoils in her chair. The French caption translates to the wife's aside as, "To think that I am married to this face!" Her expression speaks volumes about the chasm that can grow between partners over time. Daumier's work resonates with contemporary discussions about gender roles, societal expectations, and the complexities of long-term relationships. His caricatures, though humorous, offer a critical lens through which we can examine the pressures and realities faced by individuals within the institution of marriage. Through humor, the work explores themes of intimacy, expectation, and the sometimes harsh realities of domestic life. It invites us to reflect on the personal and societal factors that shape our understanding of marriage and partnership.