“- We really look like Papa, don't we... little Cherub!,” plate 14 from Les Papas 1847

Honoré Daumier created this lithograph titled “- We really look like Papa, don't we... little Cherub!,” in 1876. The artwork presents a self-satisfied father holding up his child, whom he affectionately calls "little Cherub." The term "cherub" carries a rich history, originating from ancient Near Eastern art, where winged figures served as guardians. These figures evolved into the chubby, winged infants we often see in Renaissance and Baroque art, symbolizing divine love and innocence. Here, Daumier cleverly uses the term, perhaps with a touch of irony, to highlight the father's inflated sense of self-importance. This cherubic image is a powerful visual shorthand, one that’s been adapted and reinterpreted across centuries. Consider how the cherub appears in both religious icons and secular decorations, a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. The father's proud gesture engages viewers on a subconscious level, playing on our own memories and feelings about family and legacy. The motif of the cherub has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing understanding of childhood, family, and the divine.