J.-B. Gustave de Laboulie

Art Historical Context

**J.-B. Gustave de Laboulie** is a striking lithograph by Honoré Daumier, created in 1849 and now housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection. Daumier, a master of 19th-century French caricature, captures the likeness of J.-B. Gustave de Laboulie—likely a prominent lawyer—in his signature style: exaggerated features and expressive lines that blend sharp realism with biting satire. This print exemplifies Daumier's prolific output in lithography, a medium he championed for its affordability and ability to reach wide audiences through newspapers and journals. Produced amid the turbulent Second French Republic following the 1848 Revolution, the work reflects Daumier's keen social commentary on the legal and political elite. His series of lawyer portraits, including this one, poked fun at the pompous demeanor of the bar, humanizing yet critiquing the era's power structures. Lithography's greasy crayon technique allowed Daumier to achieve rich tonal contrasts and fluid gestures, making his prints both technically innovative and culturally resonant. Today, this piece highlights the democratizing power of printmaking, turning elite satire into accessible art. Visitors will appreciate how Daumier's wit endures, inviting us to chuckle at timeless human foibles. (198 words)

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...