Un nouvel anobli c. 19th century

This lithograph, by Honoré Daumier, captures a moment laden with social commentary. Look at the figure on the left, his arms crossed, embodying a certain arrogance. This stance, a visual echo of power, reminds us of ancient rulers depicted in stone reliefs, asserting dominance through posture. Consider the open mouth of the man on the right, frozen in surprise. Gestures like this, betraying a sense of shock and unease, have appeared across time, perhaps most famously in Edvard Munch’s The Scream. It is interesting to reflect on how the feeling of shock can transcend time, resurfacing across different periods. It is an image filled with class anxiety. Daumier uses these symbols to touch upon deeply rooted tensions and the psychological weight of social mobility. A powerful force engages us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of social struggles and the ever-present human desire for recognition.