New Year's presents for 1868, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, December 23, 1867

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier, the masterful French caricaturist of the 19th century, created *New Year's Presents for 1868* as a lithograph for the satirical newspaper *Le Charari*'s "News of the" series. Published on December 23, 7, this timely print captures the festive yet biting humor of the season amid Second Empire France, where Daumier skewered bourgeois society, politics, and everyday absurdities. Printed on newsprint in the second state of two (as cataloged by Delteil), its modest dimensions—about 9½ by 8 inches—belied its sharp social commentary, featuring men and women in exaggerated poses that poked fun at holiday gift-giving rituals. Daumier's lithographic technique shone here: drawn directly on stone for crisp lines and tonal depth, it allowed rapid production and wide dissemination through affordable newsprint. A pioneer of realist caricature, he blended incisive observation with dynamic composition, influencing modern editorial cartooning. This work exemplifies his prolific output—over 4,000 lithographs for *Le Charivari*—making elite satire accessible to the masses. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, it reminds us of lithography's role in fueling public discourse during a era of censorship and change, inviting visitors to chuckle at 1860s follies that still resonate.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Destouches|Arnaud de Vresse · 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...