Smell, plate 38 from Types Parisiens

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier's *Smell, plate 38 from Types Parisiens* (1839) captures the vibrant, satirical spirit of 19th-century Paris through the lens of one of France's greatest caricaturists. Part of a renowned series depicting archetypal Parisian characters—from dandies to street vendors— this lithograph humorously portrays a figure engaged in the sensory act of smelling, likely poking fun at the quirks of everyday urban life. Daumier, a master of Realism and social commentary, used his prints to skewer the bourgeoisie and highlight human folly during the July Monarchy. Printed in black ink on white wove paper, the medium of lithography was revolutionary for Daumier, allowing him to produce affordable, mass-distributed images with remarkable fluidity and expressiveness. At just 20.1 × 22.9 cm, the image packs a punch through bold lines and exaggerated features, techniques that made his work instantly recognizable and influential in the development of modern caricature. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Department, this piece exemplifies Daumier's enduring legacy: blending sharp wit with profound empathy for the common man. Visitors today can still sense the bustling streets of 1830s Paris in its dynamic composition, a testament to lithography's power to democratize art.

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...