Les Fricoteurs politiques

Art Historical Context

Step into the satirical world of Honoré Daier with *Les Fricoteurs* (The Political Schemers), a 1850 lithograph from National Gallery of Art'swald Collection. Daumier, a masteraturist of 19th-century France, renowned for his biting commentary on society and politics through prints that circulated widely in newspapers like *Le Charivari*. This work captures the intrigue of the era, likely skewering the wheeling-and-dealing politicians amid the turbulent French Second Republic. Created during a time of political upheaval following the 1848 Revolution, the piece reflects the corruption and maneuvering that defined the period, just before Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power. Daumier's exaggerated figures and dynamic compositions amplify the absurdity of power plays, making viewers chuckle while pondering deeper truths about governance. As a lithograph—a technique Daumier perfected for its affordability and reproducibility—this print democratized satire, reaching everyday audiences and challenging the elite. Housed in the Prints department (CG-E), it exemplifies how art became a weapon of social critique, inviting us today to reflect on timeless political antics.

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...