J'ai parlé ... trois heures et demie!

The print portrays two lawyers, their black robes contrasting with the lively posture they assume. The exaggerated gestures and open mouth of the speaker suggest a prolonged, perhaps tedious, monologue, while the attentive listener underscores the ritual of legal discourse. The title’s reference to “three and a half hours” adds a humorous commentary on the verbosity often associated with courtroom oratory.

Executed in lithography, Daumier employs swift, sketch‑like lines that convey movement and immediacy. The rough, almost scratchy strokes give the figures a sense of spontaneity, while the limited palette of black ink emphasizes contrast between the somber robes and the dynamic gestures. This approach aligns with his broader practice of using caricature to reveal character through minimal visual means.

Created in 1865, the lithograph emerged during a prolific period when Daumier was producing numerous prints that critiqued French society. It was likely issued as part of a series satirizing the legal profession, a recurring target in his work. Original impressions have appeared in various collections of 19th‑century French prints, reflecting the artist’s enduring relevance to social commentary.

Mid‑19th‑century France saw a burgeoning press and a flourishing market for satirical prints, providing artists like Daumier a platform to comment on institutions. Lawyers, seen as both authoritative and pompous, became a frequent subject of ridicule. This lithograph fits within that cultural moment, using humor to question the solemnity of legal proceedings while reflecting broader public skepticism toward professional elites.