On dit que les jolies femmes sont ... c. 19th century

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled "On dit que les jolies femmes sont..." captures a snippet of 19th-century French society marked by economic shifts and evolving gender roles. Daumier presents two women discussing the news that pretty women are in demand in California. The woman on the left, arms crossed, exudes self-assurance, while the other, with a cane, appears more pensive and perhaps yearning. The caption reveals her intention to journey to California, seeking opportunity, maybe even reinvention. Through this scene, Daumier touches upon the complex dynamics of gender, class, and societal expectations. While seemingly a lighthearted commentary on the pursuit of beauty, the artwork hints at the economic pressures and social mobility that influenced women's choices. The image reflects both the allure and the uncertainty surrounding the pursuit of a better life, underlining the emotional and personal dimensions of societal change.