Equilibre Europeen, from Actualités, published in le Charivari, April 3, 1867
Medium
Lithograph
Dimensions
Sheet: 12 in. × 11 5/8 in. (30.5 × 29.6 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
Accession Number
62.650.405
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Equilibre Europeen** is a sharp satirical lithograph by Honoré Daum (also known as Honoré Daumier Destouches), published in the French newspaper *Le Charivari* on 3, 1867, as part of his *Actualités* series. Daumier, a master of 19th-century caricature, his prints to skewer the social and political absurdities of Second Empire France. This work, measuring about 12 by 11 5/8 inches, captures the era's penchant for commentary on European power dynamics—its title translating to "European Balance"—while incorporating the tags of satire and women, likely poking fun at gender roles or fashion in a...
About the Artist
Honoré Daumier|Destouches · 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...