Clément-François-Victor-Gabriel Prunelle, published in La Caricature no. 138, June 27, 1833

Art Historical Context

Step into the sharp-witted world of 19-century French satire with this lithograph by Honoré Daumier, *Clément-François-Victor-Griel Prunelle*, in *La Caric* no. 138 on June 27, 1833. Daumier, a masteraturist, collaborated with printer Becquet and publisher Aubert et Cie produce this incisive print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Drawings and Prints department to the 1957 bequest of Edwin De T. Beel. Measuring about 13½ by 9¾ inches on the sheet, it captures a male figure—likely the politician Prunelle—through exaggerated features and biting humor, as hinted by its satire tags. Created during the July Monarchy under King Louis-Philippe, the artwork reflects Daumier's signature style: bold, realistic caricature that skewered the bourgeoisie, politicians, and social hypocrisies. *La Caricature*, a weekly journal, was a bold platform for such dissent, often pushing legal boundaries—Daumier himself faced imprisonment for his work. Lithography, the medium here, was revolutionary, allowing artists to draw directly on stone for affordable, high-volume reproduction, democratizing political commentary. This piece exemplifies Daumier's enduring legacy in printmaking, blending technical prowess with cultural critique. Visitors, imagine the buzz in 1830s Paris as these prints circulated, challenging power with a laugh!

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Becquet|Aubert et Cie · 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...