At the bar, meeting point for the true lovers of French sculpture and Bavarian beer, from 'Exhibition sketches,' published in Le Charivari, June 3, 1865

Honoré Daumier, a prolific French artist known for his satirical commentary on 19th-century society, created this lithograph in 1865, a period when he had resumed making caricatures for publications like *Le Charivari*. After facing financial hardships and a temporary hiatus from cartooning, Daumier returned to an appreciative audience in Paris, often focusing on daily Parisian life and the bourgeoisie. This piece, "At the bar, meeting point for the true lovers of French sculpture and Bavarian beer," is part of his 'Exhibition sketches' series, reflecting his keen observation of public spaces and human behavior. Daumier was a republican democrat who used his art to lampoon various aspects of society, from politicians to the everyday man. While he is also recognized for his serious paintings (like "The Third-Class Carriage" at the Met), it was his thousands of lithographs that earned him widespread recognition during his lifetime, and continue to offer a vivid window into the social and political landscape of his era. This particular work exemplifies his ability to capture a specific moment with humor and sharp detail.