Salut! Terre de l'hospitalité... 1840

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph, titled "Salut! Terre de l'hospitalité...", in 19th-century France, using lithographic crayon on paper. Daumier was known for his satirical prints, and this one offers a sharp commentary on the politics of immigration and national identity. The image depicts a man arriving at the "Douane de Belgique," or Belgian Customs, raising his hat in a gesture of thanks. Daumier uses caricature to critique the idea of Belgium as a haven for those unwelcome elsewhere. The figure’s exaggerated features and theatrical pose suggest insincerity. Boxes nearby are marked ‘HD’—perhaps a reference to the émigrés or the goods they have brought over the border. Such prints played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, using humor to challenge social norms. To understand Daumier's work better, we can look at the political climate of the time, exploring newspaper archives and other prints to grasp the nuances of his critique. The meaning of art always relies on its context, and its power lies in its ability to reflect and challenge the society that produces it.