That will do the job!, from 'News of the day,' published in "Le Charivari"

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier, a master of 19th-century French caricature, created *That will do the job! a sharp satirical lithograph published on April 25, 1870, in the humor magazine *Le Charivari* as part of its "News of the Day". Alongside collaborators Walter Frères and Arnaud deresse, Daumier the era's political turbulence under Napoleon III's Second Empire, months before the Franco-Prussian erupted. His biting commentary often targeted politicians, lawyers, and the bourgeoisie, using exaggerated figures to expose societal hypocrisies. This second-state impression on wove paper exemplifies lithography's revolutionary potential: Daumier drew directly on lithographic stone with greasy crayon, allowing for rich tonal contrasts and fluid lines that brought his dynamic, expressive characters to life. Measuring about 9 by 8 inches, the image's compact scale made it ideal for affordable newspaper distribution, democratizing art and satire for a wide Parisian audience. The tag "Men" hints at its focus on male archetypes, likely skewering the era's pompous elites. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1922, this print from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department showcases Daumier's enduring legacy as a social critic whose work influenced modern cartooning and graphic satire. Visitors will appreciate how it blends humor with historical insight into a fractious France on the brink of revolution.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Walter Frères|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...