Vous ne prenez rien?

The scene suggests a brief episode of service within a domestic setting, hinting at the social etiquette of the era. By presenting a solitary cup to two listeners, Daumier subtly comments on the dynamics of hospitality, perhaps alluding to the modest expectations and restrained interactions of the urban middle class.

Executed in lithography, the print employs bold, clean lines that capture both the texture of the tray and the faint outlines of the figures. Daumier’s choice of this medium allowed rapid production of crisp images, a practical advantage for the satirical and journalistic purposes that characterized much of his output.

Created as part of Daumier’s broader series on Parisian daily life, the lithograph reflects the artist’s interest in ordinary scenes that reveal social nuance. During the 1860s, lithography served as a primary vehicle for disseminating visual commentary in newspapers, aligning with Daumier’s reputation as a keen observer of contemporary society.

The print is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed among other works illustrating Daumier’s prolific engagement with print media and his chronicling of modern French life.