"Is my engine good? I think so..." 1843

Curator: Honoré Daumier's lithograph, "Is my engine good? I think so...", presents a critical yet humorous view of technological advancement. There's a stark contrast in attire between the two figures. What is your take on it? Editor: It strikes me as sardonic. The engine is visually imposing, but the figures seem caught between apprehension and cautious optimism. The steam almost overwhelms the whole composition. Curator: Daumier was known for his social commentary. This piece can be seen as critiquing the relentless march of industrialization and its impact on different social classes, reflected in their clothing and stances. The text below the images adds to the narrative. Editor: I see the railway as more than mere transport; it's a symbol of the changing world, where progress, embodied by the steam engine, may not necessarily lead to utopia for everyone involved. Curator: Exactly. Daumier is pointing to the complexities and inequalities inherent in progress. His commentary remains pertinent today. Editor: It's a striking reminder that technological advancements are never truly neutral; they are always embedded within a web of social and economic power dynamics.