Prestation ... d'un ... membre ... du dix Décembre ... c. 19th century

Honoré Daumier made this lithograph titled "Prestation ... d'un ... membre ... du dix Décembre ..." sometime in the mid-19th century in France. It depicts a farcical oath-taking ceremony for new members of a Bonapartist society. Daumier's print satirizes the "Society of December Tenth," a group formed to support Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, later Napoleon III. Through caricature, the artist links this society to the unruly and potentially violent elements of Parisian society, suggesting their methods are based on intimidation rather than genuine support. The inscription below drives home the point, as a member swears to beat all Parisians who don’t shout "Long live the emperor!". Daumier worked for the illustrated satirical journal Le Charivari, which published countless images mocking the bourgeoisie and the political leaders of the day. To understand Daumier's social critique, one has to situate this image within the political climate of mid-19th century France, and the increasing role of graphic media in shaping public opinion. The archives of Le Charivari, as well as studies of popular culture in France, provide essential resources for deeper understanding.