Citizen Bertrand, my good friend, it grieves me to see you in such despair because of your country.... why worry, we'll find someone here to fry, my good friend.... all we need to do is change the kitchen!, published in 'Comic Review,' October 22, 1871

Art Historical Context

In this biting lithograph from October 22, 1871, published in *Comic*, Honoré Daum captures a darkly humorous exchange between two figures: "Citizen Bertrand, my good, it grieves me see you in such despair of your country.... why worry, we'll find someone here fry, my good friend all we need to do change the kitchen!" Daumier, a master of 19th-century French caricature uses exaggerated expressions and dynamic poses to skewer political despair and radical solutions. Created amid the turbulent aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War and the bloody suppression of the Paris Commune earlier that year, the print satirizes the cycle of revolutionary violence and scapegoating in French politics. The grim pun on "frying" evokes summary executions, while "changing the kitchen" mocks superficial regime changes that fail to heal national wounds—a timely jab at the era's instability. Daumier's lithography on newsprint was revolutionary for its affordability and speed, enabling mass dissemination of his incisive social commentary. Printed in small formats like this 10 9/16 × 7 1/2 in. image, his works reached everyday readers, blending realism with caricature to provoke thought and laughter. A highlight of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, it exemplifies Daumier's enduring legacy in political satire.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 1810–1879

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (1808-1879) was a prolific French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor whose works offered incisive commentary on the social and political life of 19th-century France. Known as the 'Michelangelo of Caricature,' Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs, 500 paintings, 1,000 drawings, and 100 sculptures during his lifetime. His biting political satire led to his imp...