Hi! hi! ... Il m'a léché le beurre de ma tartine

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier's 1867 lithograph *! hi! ... Il m'a léché le beurre ma tartine* ("He licked the butter off my slice of bread") captures the artist's signature blend of humor and sharp social observation. A master caricaturist of 19th-century France,umier produced over ,000 lithographs, for popular journals like *Le Charivari*, skewering the bourgeoisie, politicians, and everyday absurdities during the Second Empire under Napoleon III. Lithography, Daumier's preferred medium, allowed for bold, expressive lines drawn directly on limestone, enabling affordable mass reproduction and wide satirical reach. This technique shines in the print's playful title, evoking a cheeky domestic mishap—likely involving a mischievous pet or child—that pokes fun at mundane frustrations, a hallmark of Daumier's empathetic yet biting style influenced by Realism. Part of the Corcoran Collection at the National Gallery of Art (gift of Dr. Armand Hammer), this work exemplifies Daumier's enduring legacy in printmaking, bridging fine art and public commentary. Visitors will delight in its timeless wit, reminding us how laughter reveals societal truths.

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...