Ferdinand Favre

Art Historical Context

Honoré Daumier’s 1849 lithograph *Ferdinand Favre* captures the lively spirit of mid-nineteenth-century French printmaking. Created during the turbulent years of the Second Republic, the work reflects Daumier’s mastery of lithography, a medium that allowed artists to reach wide audiences through affordable, reproducible images. Known for his keen eye for character and social detail, Daumier often used this versatile technique to comment on political figures and everyday life with both humor and insight. As part of the Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art, this print highlights the democratic power of graphic art in the 1840s. Lithography’s fluid lines and tonal richness enabled Daumier to convey personality and expression with remarkable economy, making his portraits both immediate and memorable. Visitors can appreciate how such works helped shape public discourse by bringing recognizable faces into homes and cafés across France.

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...