Le député ventrigoulu

Art Historical Context

**Le député ventrigoulu (The Pot-bellied Deputy)**, created by Honoré Daum in 1833, is a sharp lithograph from the artist's prolific series of political caricatures. Daumier, a master of 19th-century French satire, depicts a rotund, pompous politician striding forward with exaggerated belly and self-important air, poking fun at the physical and moral excesses of the ruling class. This print belongs to the Corcoran Collection (Gift Dr. Armand Hammer) the National Gallery of Art Prints department (CG-E), showcasing Daumier's biting commentary on power. Produced during the early July Monarchy under King Louis-Philippe, the work captures the era's political turbulence following the 1830 Revolution. Daumier, who published in journals like *La Caricature*, used his art to lampoon corrupt deputies and bourgeois hypocrisy, often facing censorship for his boldness. This piece exemplifies his role in fueling public debate through accessible imagery, making elite follies relatable to everyday viewers. Lithography, Daumier's favored medium, allowed for rapid production and wide distribution—key to satire's impact. By drawing directly on stone with greasy crayon, he achieved rich tonal contrasts and expressive lines that amplified the figure's comical grotesquerie. A testament to printmaking's democratic power, it invites us to chuckle at timeless human foibles while reflecting on democracy's absurdities. (198 words)

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...