Un Début galant 1844

Honoré Daumier created “Un Début galant”, which translates to “A Gallant Beginning”, using graphite, pen, and ink, to offer his commentary on French society. Daumier lived through the Revolution of 1848, and his art often critiques the bourgeoisie, and their rigid social structures. Here, we see a young boy in a dark suit kissing the hand of a woman who appears much older than him. This image captures the performative aspects of courtship, where social status and expectations often trump genuine affection. Daumier’s composition encourages us to consider the roles that individuals play within the theatre of social interactions. The expressions on their faces speak volumes: the woman’s forced smile hints at the social performance, while the boy's action seems to mock the ritual of high society. Daumier challenges us to reflect on the emotional costs of adhering to such conventions, and what these behaviors might conceal.