In front of Meissonnier's paintings, plate 3 from Le Public Du Salon 1852

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled ‘In front of Meissonnier’s paintings’ as part of his series “Le Public du Salon." Daumier was a critical observer of Parisian society during a time of rapid social and political change. Here, Daumier presents us with a sea of top hats, bobbing and weaving as if to say, "excuse me." But the real gem is the face we see peeking out from under the crowd. Look at those bulging eyes and furrowed brow! Daumier captures the feeling of being caught in a crowd, of struggling to see, of maybe feeling a little bit lost in the sea of society. The artwork doesn't just show us a crowd; it reflects on who gets to see and be seen. It's a snapshot of class dynamics, where some strain their necks for a view while others remain unseen. Daumier invites us to reflect on our own experiences of navigating public spaces and social hierarchies.