Marius At Carthage. Soldier, say to the senate that in my noble poverty I have taken for a chair a ruin And if I were in Sylla I would not be sitting here. (Pun attributed to M. Cousin), plate 35 from Histoire Ancienne

Art Historical Context

Honoré-Victorin Daier, a leading th-century French lithographer and caricaturist, created this print as plate 35 in his Histoire Ancienne series, published on November 13 1842. Drawing on classical history for satirical effect, Daumier portrays the Roman general Gaius Marius in exile among the ruins of Carthage. The lengthy caption features a pun attributed to M. Cousin, in which Marius boasts of his “noble poverty” while seated on a ruin and remarks that he would not remain there if he occupied Sylla’s place. Lithography, the medium Daumier used throughout his career, allowed him to produce fluid, expressive lines that could be printed quickly and in large numbers. The black ink on cream wove paper, with additional handwritten text and letterpress on the reverse, reflects the collaborative, journalistic nature of mid-19th-century printmaking. By recasting an episode of ancient exile as contemporary wordplay, Daumier invited viewers to see historical grandeur through a humorous, modern lens. This work, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, demonstrates how Daumier made the distant past feel immediate and relevant. It remains a lively example of his gift for blending historical allusion with sharp observation, encouraging us to consider the enduring human themes of power, pride, and resilience.

About the Artist

Honoré-Victorin Daumier · 1808–1879

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...