"You don't blush, you..." 1837

Curator: Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "You don't blush, you..." captures a potent moment of social critique. What strikes you about it? Editor: The body language is so expressive. One man is slouched and seems to be ranting, while the other stands stiffly. What's the story here? Curator: Daumier often targeted the bourgeoisie, their hypocrisy and social climbing. This piece, with its suggestive title, likely critiques power dynamics and perhaps financial exploitation. Editor: So the man standing might represent the oppressor? Curator: Precisely. Daumier uses caricature to expose societal flaws, pushing us to question those in authority and the systems that enable them. Does it resonate with any contemporary issues for you? Editor: Absolutely, the themes of class and exploitation still feel very relevant today. It’s interesting how art can be a tool for social commentary. Curator: Indeed, Daumier's work encourages us to confront uncomfortable truths about power and privilege.