A goddess, but not proud at all, from 'Theater sketches,' published in Le Charivari, June 12, 1865

Art Historical Context

In this witty lithograph from Honoré Daumier's *Theater Sketches* series, published in the satirical French newspaper *Le Charivari* on June 12, 1865, a goddess is depicted "not proud at all." Daumier, a master of 19th-century caricature, a theatrical scene where divine grandeur meets everyday humility. The goddess, surrounded by men, appears comically deflated—perhaps mocking an actress's over-the-top portrayal or the absurdities of stage divinity in Second Empire France. *Le Charivari*, a hub for political and social satire, amplified Daumier's sharp commentary on society, theater, and human folly. Printed on inexpensive newsprint as a lithograph in its second state (with refinements noted by cataloguer Loys Delteil), the work measures a compact 9⅝ × 8⅛ inches, ideal for mass circulation. Lithography allowed Daumier to blend fluid lines, expressive exaggeration, and tonal depth, making his critiques accessible to the public. Over his career, he produced nearly 4,000 lithographs, influencing modern cartooning and social realism. This piece, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, highlights Daumier's enduring legacy: using humor to deflate pretension, inviting viewers to chuckle at the gap between myth and mortality. A perfect glimpse into 1860s Parisian wit!

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 1810–1879

Honoré-Victorin Daumier (1808-1879) was a prolific French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor whose works offered incisive commentary on the social and political life of 19th-century France. Known as the 'Michelangelo of Caricature,' Daumier produced over 4,000 lithographs, 500 paintings, 1,000 drawings, and 100 sculptures during his lifetime. His biting political satire led to his imp...