Oui, mon cher monsieur Badoulard, je vais... 1845

Honoré Daumier, a master of social commentary, made this lithograph, a printmaking technique, during the 19th century, a time of stark class divisions and social upheaval in France. Daumier's print satirizes the chasm between the bourgeoisie, represented by Monsieur Badoulard, and the working class, seen in the figures lurking in the background. The title suggests a negotiation or agreement, yet the body language speaks of exploitation and distrust. How might the artist’s own position in society shaped his perspective? Daumier, through his art, became a voice for the voiceless. He used his incisive wit to critique the establishment and championed the cause of the oppressed. "Art," he once said, "should be the expression of an epoch and the embodiment of its ideals." This print offers a glimpse into the artist's world, prompting us to reflect on issues of social justice, identity, and the enduring power of art.