C'est bête d'avoir en hiver, des... 1851 - 1852

This lithograph was created by Honoré Daumier in 19th-century France. The image depicts a well-to-do man shielding two children from the rain, while another child stands alone in the downpour. Daumier was a master of social commentary, and his work often critiqued the bourgeoisie of his time. Here, he uses visual codes to highlight class disparities. The man’s top hat and the children’s fancy attire suggest wealth, yet their attempt to avoid the rain seems futile, especially in contrast to the child left exposed. France in the 1800s was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to increased social stratification. Daumier, working for journals like Le Charivari, used his art to challenge the status quo. His prints were a form of public art, reaching a wide audience and sparking dialogue about social inequalities. To better understand Daumier, one can explore the archives of satirical journals and the history of printmaking as a medium for social change. Art is always contingent on its social context, and Daumier’s work is a testament to the power of art to reflect and challenge the norms of its time.