“Thy hand cometh to slay Britannicus, thy brother. I foresee thy blows will soon hit thy mother,” plate 7 from Physionomies Tragico-Classiques

Art Historical Context

Honoré-Victorin Daier’s lithograph, on April 6, 1841, forms plate 7 of his series *Physionomies Tragico-Classiques*. The dramatic title—“Thy hand cometh to slay Britannicus, thy brother. I foresee thy blows will soon hit thy mother”—evokes a scene from Roman imperial tragedy, centering on the young Nero’s prophesied crimes against his adoptive brother Britannicus and his mother Agrippina. Printed in black on cream wove paper with added text, the work exemplifies the expressive potential of lithography, a medium Daumier mastered to capture exaggerated facial expressions and gestures that convey intense emotion. Daumier, celebrated for his incisive caricatures during France’s July Monarchy, often drew on classical and literary sources to comment on contemporary power and human folly. Here, the stark contrasts and fluid linework typical of his lithographs heighten the tragic tension, transforming a historical prophecy into a vivid, almost theatrical moment. The addition of letterpress text on the verso further situates the print within the vibrant world of 19th-century illustrated periodicals, where such images reached broad audiences. As part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Prints and Drawings collection, this sheet highlights Daumier’s skill at blending classical themes with modern graphic techniques, inviting viewers to consider how ancient stories of ambition and betrayal resonated in his own era.

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...