"But it is indecent . . ." c. 19th century

Curator: Looking at this print by Honoré Daumier, its title immediately sets the stage: "But it is indecent . . .". Editor: The stark black and white, the exaggerated figures – it feels like a biting satire on social pretension. Curator: Daumier was a master of capturing social dynamics, and this piece seems to critique class distinctions and perhaps even questions of decorum. Editor: Absolutely. The waiter’s placement and the man’s expression really emphasize the social awkwardness. Is it the waiter's trousers the man is concerned about? Curator: I think that the focus is on the hat that was taken, and that the man considers it "indecent". I do think it's important to consider that Daumier had a strong interest in social justice. Editor: A powerful piece – revealing how art can spotlight unspoken social anxieties. Curator: A great reminder of how historical context influences artistic interpretation and vice versa.