Honoré Daumier: Master of French Caricature | Custom Caricatures

Caricature:
The Weapon of Laughter!

A mini-encyclopedia to discover the art of satire

Overview: Honoré Daumier (1808-1879) is undoubtedly the towering figure of French caricature. Through his powerful lithographs, Daumier actively contributed to the famous newspaper Le Charivari, immortalizing the abuses of the bourgeoisie and the political corruption of his time.

Masterpiece Year Target Description
Gargantua 1831 Politics (King Louis-Philippe) Depicts the King swallowing the wealth of the people. This work sent Daumier to prison.
The Legislative Belly (Le Ventre Législatif) 1834 Politics (Parliamentarians) A caricatured portrait brilliantly and heavily depicting corrupt centrist deputies.
Rue Transnonain, April 15, 1834 1834 Politics / Justice Denounces the massacre of civilians by the army in a tragic tone, devoid of humor.
The Men of Justice (Les Gens de Justice) (series) 1840s Justice / Bourgeoisie A fierce mockery of the arrogance, cynicism, and theatricality of lawyers.

Who was Honoré Daumier, and why is he a master of caricature?

What were Honoré Daumier’s political and social targets?

Honoré Daumier (1808-1879). Considered one of the greatest caricaturists, Daumier fiercely criticized the society and politicians of his time. His caricatured portraits (portraits-charges) remain famous. A versatile artist, he aspired to be recognized as a painter, but it was in his daily lithographs published in Le Charivari that he left the most exhaustive and scathing commentary on the century he lived in.

The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian (1849). An oil sketch by Daumier exploring religious and historical themes.
Friends (1845). A classic scene of social satire by Daumier, sketching two bourgeois men sharing a complicit, self-satisfied moment.
The Confusion of Fusion (1850). Political caricature published in Le Charivari.
Mimi-Véron believes he has finally found the true means of crushing his enemies.
Mr. Vieux-Niais (1833). Political caricature by Honoré Daumier.
Strangers in Paris. What's called the temptations of Paris.
Strangers in Paris. A visit to the Invalides.
Strangers in Paris. A light procession in front of the gates of the Palace of Industry.
A Patch-up (Un Replatrage, 1851). A critical lithograph on social issues, published in Le Charivari.
A Pleasant Encounter (Une Rencontre agréable, 1844). A lithograph mocking the hypocrisy of bourgeois society.
Strangers in Paris. The indispensable visit to...
Undoubtedly she is seriously ill!
The Vine. By Daumier.
Socialist Women.
Fired! (Dégommé!) A political caricature concerning a public figure who just lost his position.
The inconvenience of having a music-mad friend. Humorous social satire.
Parisian Bohemians. Former merchant. Social observation on shattered destinies in 19th-century Paris.
Strangers in Paris. What's called dining at a restaurant. A satire on actual tourist experiences.
In Naples. The best of kings...

Daumier loved depicting Parisian life, street architecture, and the atmosphere of bistros. To give an artistic and traditional cachet to your own establishment, I offer hand-painted boulevard signs for restaurant menu stands, as well as architectural illustrations for prestige restaurants.