Achille Fould

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier lithograph “Achilleould,” published on December 20, 1849, offers a vivid example of political caricature in the wake of the 1848 Revolution. Working in the medium of lithography for the publisher Aubert et Cie, Daumier captured the likeness of Achille Fould, a leading financier and statesman who would later serve Napoleon III. The print’s second state reveals the artist’s careful refinement of line and expression, exaggerating features to convey both personality and public perception. Daumier was renowned for using affordable lithographs to reach a broad audience through journals and newspapers, turning art into a tool for social commentary. At roughly 14 by 10 inches, the sheet size made such works easy to distribute and view, allowing everyday viewers to engage with the shifting political landscape of the Second Republic. His bold, economical drawing style distilled complex figures into instantly recognizable images. This work belongs to Daumier’s extensive series of portraits that blended humor with keen observation, helping to shape how the French public understood its leaders. Today it stands as both an artistic achievement and a window into the lively press culture of nineteenth-century Paris.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier|Aubert et Cie · 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...