Le triomphe de la loi du 31 Mai
1851
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1851
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This lithograph shows a group of men straining under the weight of a giant, frowning figure labeled “LOI DU 31 MAI 1850.” The tiny workers look exhausted while the huge law looms over them. Daumier makes the rule itself seem like a heavy burden. The law in question restricted voting rights after the 1851 coup. Daumier used satire to show how ordinary people felt crushed by political decisions. Try looking up Daumier, Honoré next.
