"- Since he is now part of the family, he must also have his portrait taken", plate 269 from Actualités

This lithograph, "- Since he is now part of the family, he must also have his portrait taken," was created by Honoré Daumier as part of his "Actualités" series. Daumier produced this print in France, a nation undergoing rapid social and political change. He used his sharp wit and artistic skill to critique the foibles of the bourgeoisie. Here, we see the rising status of pets within the family, a phenomenon that mirrors changing social values and the increasing commodification of domestic life. Daumier uses caricature to emphasize the self-importance of the sitters, highlighting the absurdity of extending portraiture – traditionally reserved for the elite – to a family dog. The print is not just a humorous observation, it’s a commentary on the values of the rising middle class. To understand Daumier's work, one might delve into periodicals of the time, exploring contemporary attitudes toward family, pets, and social status. Through such research, we can reveal the complex interplay between art and society.