What the hell can destroy her appetite?, from 'News of the day,' published in Le Charivari, January 31, 1868

Art Historical Context

Behold *What the hell can destroy her appetite?*, biting lithograph by Honoré Daumier published in the satirical French newspaper *Leivari* on January31, 1868. Daumier, a master caricaturist of the th century, contributed thousands of images to *Le Charivari* during the July Monarchy and Empire, skewering the bourgeoisie, politicians, and social hypocrisies with sharp wit. This piece, part of the "News of day" series, captures the era's lively political and cultural commentary through everyday absurdities, likely poking fun at insatiable appetites—literal or metaphorical—in a rapidly modernizing France. Printed on newsprint as the second state of two (per Delteil's catalog), the work exemplifies Daumier's lithographic prowess. This technique, using greasy crayon on stone, allowed for fluid, expressive lines and tonal shading that mimicked drawing, making it ideal for affordable mass production in periodicals. At 9 5/8 × 8 3/16 inches, its intimate scale suited newspaper readers, while human figures—Daumier's specialty—convey exaggerated expressions and gestures for maximum satirical punch. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Edwin De T. Bechtel, 1957), this lithograph reminds us of caricature's power as social critique. Daumier's unflinching gaze on human folly endures, inviting visitors to chuckle at 1868's quirks while reflecting on our own.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Destouches|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...