Ratapoil et Casmajou

Art Historical Context

In 1850, French artist Honoré Daumier captured the political intrigue of Second Republic France with his lithograph *Ratapoil et Casmajou*. Daumier, a prolific caricaturist, created the sly, rat-like figure of Ratapoil as a satirical stand-in for the secret agents of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, who were drumming up support ahead of his 1851 coup. Paired here with the equally scheming Casmajou, the duo embodies the era's corruption and manipulation, poking fun at the regime's authoritarian leanings amid tense debates over universal suffrage and plebiscites. Daumier's mastery of lithography shines in this print, a medium he championed for its affordability and ability to mimic drawing's fluidity. Produced for journals like *Le Charivari*, his works reached wide audiences, blending sharp social commentary with expressive lines and dramatic shading. Despite censorship threats—Daumier was once imprisoned for his art—this piece exemplifies his bold Realism infused with caricature, influencing later political cartoonists. Today, *Ratapoil et Casmajou* graces the National Gallery of Art's Corcoran Collection, a gift from Dr. Armand Hammer. It reminds us how art can lampoon power, offering a witty glimpse into mid-19th-century France's turbulent politics.

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...