The ass and the two thieves, published in Souvenirs d'Artistes

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier’s 1862 lithograph *The Ass and the Two Thieves*, published in the portfolio *Souvenirs d’Artistes*, exemplifies the artist’s mastery of caricature and social satire. Working in the medium of lithography—a technique prized in nineteenth-century France for its ability to produce affordable, widely distributed prints—Daumier used bold lines and expressive shading to comment on human folly. The second state of four impressions reveals his careful refinement of the composition, balancing humor with pointed observation. Created during the Second Empire under Napoleon III, the work reflects Daumier’s long-standing interest in exposing corruption and hypocrisy through everyday or allegorical scenes. The title suggests a fable-like encounter involving an ass and two thieves, inviting viewers to consider themes of greed, deception, and misplaced trust—recurring motifs in his oeuvre. As a leading figure of the Realist movement, Daumier transformed the humble print into a powerful vehicle for cultural critique. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1928, this sheet preserves Daumier’s incisive wit for modern audiences. Its modest scale and accessible medium underscore lithography’s historical role in democratizing art and political commentary.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Bertauts · 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...