Entre recors

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier, a leading figure in 19th-century French Realism, produced this lithograph titled *Entreors* in 186. Celebrated for his incisive social commentary, Daumier used caricature and satire to depict the manners, morals, and injustices of his era. His Realist approach emphasized everyday subjects and human emotion, making his prints both entertaining and thought-provoking for a wide public. The lithograph medium, which Daumier employed extensively, involves drawing with a greasy crayon on a limestone slab, then using chemical processes to print multiple copies. This technique was revolutionary, allowing artists to distribute their work widely through illustrated newspapers. Daumier’s mastery of lithography enabled him to capture subtle expressions and dynamic compositions with remarkable economy of line, turning prints into a form of visual journalism. Part of the National Gallery of Art’s holdings from the Corcoran Collection, gifted by Dr. Armand Hammer, this work invites viewers to explore Daumier’s contribution to printmaking and his role as a visual chronicler of 19th-century French society. Through such prints, we gain insight into the cultural climate of the period.

About the Artist

Honoré Daumier · 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...